Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Shaheena Uddin

The spider that has evolved into 100 different species

  • Scientists are investigating the “dark DNA” of Australia's peacock spider, which may hold the key to diverse evolution.
  • The peacock spider has evolved into 100 distinct species, significantly more than most animals, making it a unique subject for genetic research.
  • Researchers propose that the spider's high proportion of “dark DNA” may be responsible for its rapid adaptation and speciation.
  • A team from the Sanger Institute is meticulously collecting and analysing samples from all known peacock spider species, cross-referencing their DNA with their unique behaviours and characteristics.
  • This early-stage research aims to uncover how “dark DNA” influences evolution, contributing to broader efforts like the Earth BioGenome Project to map all living species' genomes.

IN FULL

These spiders have ‘dark DNA’ - and it could change the way we understand evolution

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Why Black Animals Are Still Waiting For Homes Despite Being Perfect Companions
Walk into almost any animal shelter in the world, and a quiet pattern reveals itself. Lighter colored pets leave first. The black ones stay behind. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months. This is not a coincidence. Across countries, cultures, and shelter systems, black animals are adopted less frequently and…
Times Pets
Times Pets
Heard it on the grapevine: Polish wine’s quiet renaissance
Once thought of only for vodka and lager, Poland is in the midst of a wine-making revival that’s infiltrating restaurant lists, bars and independent suppliers
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
In My Tiny Kitchen, Every Inch Counts – Yet Drew Barrymore’s Ingenious Blender Earned a Spot on My Counter (And Replaced 3 Bulky Appliances)
The new 'Kitchen System' is a personal blender and food processor all in one, making it a must-have for small spaces (starting with mine)
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Former Texas Roadhouse worker calls out the outlet for ‘scooping out’ a bug from their cinnamon butter, but people noticed something even worse
Everyone has seen the viral videos of secret menu hacks or behind-the-scenes kitchen tours. But one former Texas Roadhouse server’s “throwback” TikTok of a bug in cinnamon butter is a literal nightmare. People with a fear of bugs, you might want to sit this one out.
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
From YouTuber to NASCAR driver: Cleetus McFarland expands his racing resume at Daytona
Garrett Mitchell is better known as “Cleetus McFarland” to his millions of followers gained over the years as a racing influencer
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Woman orders wedding dress from Dior. Then she sees the box it came in. People are alarmed at the reveal: ‘I thought that was a fridge’
Forget butterflies and happy tears. This Dior bride’s big moment arrived looking less like couture and more like a Home Depot delivery. In a now-viral TikTok, handymen lug a massive wooden crate into her house–except it’s the kind you’d expect to hold a fridge, not a frock.
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play