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Scientists uncover key mechanism in evolution: Whole-genome duplication drives long-term adaptation

Researchers discovered that whole-genome duplication persists for thousands of generations due to its advantage in growing larger cells and forming bigger clusters, leading to the development of multicellularity. The study provides new insights into how genome duplication contributes to biological complexity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Genome duplication encourages rapid adaptation of plants

Researchers found that doubling a plant's chromosome set can grant it an immediate survival advantage in challenging environments. The experiment showed that hexaploid yarrow outperformed its tetraploid counterpart by five-fold, with the difference attributed solely to the increased chromosome number.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2011