Worm species lost 7,000 genes after evolving to fertilize itself

Worm species lost 7,000 genes after evolving to fertilize itself 01/10/2018 12:37 PM EST Reproduction in most animal species requires breeding between two individuals. But some worms have evolved the ability to go it alone. In these species, a single individual can breed with itself to produce offspring. A new University of Maryland-led study found that gaining this ability, known as "selfing," may have caused a worm species to lose a quarter of its genome, including genes that give male sperm a competitive edge during mating. Full story at https://cmns.umd.edu/news-events/features/4054 Source University of Maryland This is an NSF News From the Field item. Follow NSF:  This email was sent using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: National Science Foundation Update · 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314 · 703-292-5111