Earthworm Genomes, Genes And Proteins

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Genetics;  Veterinary
Article Date: 17 Dec 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Charles Darwin's last book, a monograph on the formation of mould through the action of worms, was the first authoritative account on earthworm biology.

By decorating past theories with recently molecular-genetic evidence, this review casts light on specific aspects of earthworm evolutionary biology that engaged Darwin, namely (a) biogeography; (b) species diversity; (c) local adaptations; and (d) sensitivity. We predict that current understanding will deepen with the announcement of a draft earthworm genome in Darwin's bicentenary year, 2009.

Subsequently, the earthworm may be elevated from the status of a soil sentinel to that elusive entity, an ecologically-relevant genetic model organism.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences