Scientists conducted a genetic study of endangered shark species: the giant hammerhead shark and the mako shark. This was reported by the environmental foundation “Save Our Seas”, the work itself published on iScience.
Biologists collected and analyzed the genome sequences of giant hammerhead sharks and mako sharks. It was compared with genetic data from whale sharks, white sharks, brown-striped and Japanese cat sharks. Whole genome sequencing has shown that their population has declined significantly over 250,000 years. Additionally, great hammerhead sharks have low genetic variability, making them less adaptable to a rapidly changing world. This species also shows signs of inbreeding. While scientists don’t know the exact consequences of inbreeding in sharks, research on wolves and cheetahs shows that this leads to negative traits over time. As a result, the survival rate of the species is often reduced.
However, the mako shark showed greater genetic diversity and less pronounced inbreeding. This gives hope to ecologists as it increases the species’ chances of survival.
ancient biologists taught “remembering” events that have happened to a living cell.