ANU Researchers working on the genetics of native rodents
Researchers from the Australian National University are studying the characteristics of DNA of more than 150 variant species of Rodents spanning across regions of Australia. New Guinea and across the Pacific. According to the lead author Dr Emily, the genetic material of rodents consists of fascinating aspects. However, there is little research done on these species.
The team is approaching to obtain DNA samples from museum specimens more than a century old that includes extinct and well currently present species. For instance, one of the genetic samples dates back to the 19th century from the Solomon islands. According to the research, it can be deciphered that mountain formation in the New Guinea region could serve as a trigger for the expansion of the presence of rodents in the neighbouring regions. According to Dr Roycroft, the rodents have their origins in Asia, and it is likely that these rodents entered Australia via Water. Moreover, this theory serves as an explanation of the presence of various diverse species in Australia.
Researchers further suggest that rodents are very adaptable species as when they arrived in Australia, they were able to adapt to new environments in Australia, such as deserts. Furthermore, the research conclusions would provide relevant information about the future of these types of species. Besides, these species also play a vital part in overall ecosystems as their burrowing-based locomotive motive movements are helpful in ensuring the aeration of the soil and the dispersal of seeds and spores. However, these species also have a high extinction rate among mammals; thus, the research observation is expected to bring some interesting conclusions.
