Hyderabad: Recent global genomic study have provided fresh insights into how primates, including monkeys, apes, lemurs, and humans, evolved their diverse traits over millions of years.
Scientists from the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology’s LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species) in Hyderabad were part of the research team that contributed to this global effort.
The Indian team, led by Dr Govindhaswamy Umapathy of CCMB-LaCONES, focussed on how genetic changes shaped major traits such as brain and body size, diet, mobility, vision, and survival strategies in extreme environments. These include adaptations in monkeys that live in high-altitude areas and limestone caves, the evolution of colour vision in some species, and the evolution of tailless apes and agile gibbons.
The study titled ‘Genomic Basis of Non-Human Primate Diversity and Adaptation’ in Nature Reviews Biodiversity combines decades of data and uses high-resolution genome sequencing to explore how primates adapted to various ecological niches.
The researchers examined over 500 primate species, uncovering key genetic changes contributing to their ecological success.
Scientists revealed the role of hybridisation and adaptive introgression in improving genetic diversity, particularly in species such as macaques and baboons. These genetic exchanges bolstered their ability to adapt and survive in changing environments.
