The spider that has evolved into 100 different species

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePeacock Spider (Getty/iStock)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 fullThese spiders have ‘dark DNA’ - and it could change the way we understand evolutionThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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