"Unraveling the Genetic Journey of Lycophytes: A 300-Million-Year Window into Plant Evolution"
A study published in PNAS has revealed that lycophytes, ancient land plants similar to ferns, have maintained a remarkably stable genetic structure for over 350 million years, deviating from the norm in plant genetics. The research uncovered that about 30% of their genes have remained in the same arrangement since their divergence, exhibiting an unusual evolutionary pattern known as synteny. This discovery provides insights into plant genetics and evolution, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity as these plants hold vital clues to the history of life on Earth.
