The DNA of certain butterflies could explain the diversity of living organisms
Studying the spatial organisation of the DNA of certain butterflies could provide a better understanding of how species diverge in the course of evolution.
Researchers at the University of Neuchâtel have developed a new method for studying evolution. In addition to looking at traditionally considered DNA sequences, they are developing how to take into account the way in which long DNA filaments fold in upon themselves to create 3D forms. This "could lead to major discoveries about the mechanisms of species diversification," emphasises Camille Cornet, a doctoral candidate in biodiversity genomics. Their research (*), which is supported by the SNSF, will continue to focus on the butterfly genus Erebia. These butterflies lend themselves particularly well to studies of evolution, thanks to the wide variety of species that exist, particularly in the mountains.