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Yale molecular and evolutionary biologists in collaboration with Department of Energy scientists produced the full genome sequence of Trichoplax, one of nature's most primitive multicellular organisms, providing a new insight into the evolution of all higher animals.
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However, size is not all that matters. DNA sequences that organisms share in common represents what was in their genomes at the time of their divergence. Unlike other model systems for studying evolution, including fruit flies and worms, even the arrangement of genes is conserved between the Trichoplax and human genomes.
"Trichoplax shares over 80 percent of its genes with humans," said Dellaporta. "We are exited to find that Trichoplax contains shared pathways and defined regulatory sequences that link these most primitive ancestors to higher animal species. The Trichoplax genome will serve as a type of "Rosetta Stone" for understanding the origins of animal-specific pathways."
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http://www.terradaily.com/reports/The_Rosetta_Stone_For_Understanding_Evolution_999.htmlInteresting stuff, though I'm sure as only a passingly interested layman I don't fully appreciate or understand the significance. It is depressing though because after reading this and reading the headline again I realize that no matter how much this adds to the already solid foundation of evolutionary science it will not convince one single 'creationist' and we'll continue to have to fight to ensure proper and effective science eduction for our children in public schools.