Norwegian Lemming confirmed as one of the newest mammal species on Earth.
A new study has shown that the Norwegian lemming may be the youngest of all mammals. The researchers found that about 35,000 ago, the Norwegian lemming separated from its nearest relative, the Western Siberian Lemming. From an evolutionary standpoint, this might seem like it was yesterday, but from a historical perspective, the split happened 35,000 years ago. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published the findings of a study that used whole genome sequencing technology to reveal the surprising evolution of the lemming. The Norwegian lemming is a unique case because the split happened during the peak of the Ice Age. The Norwegian lemming, a species of ecological importance in the Fennoscandian Tundra
is an important part of this ecosystem. In a recent press release, David Diez del Molino said that the lemming is a primary food source for many species of predators, such as some endangered ones like the Arctic Fox. It is also an interesting species in terms of evolution, but has never been examined using genomics. This study fills that gap.
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(Image Credit: Vendela K. Lagerholm)
Jaw of an ancient lemming. Vendela Lagerholm is the image credit for this article.
Researchers studied the genomes from nine lemmings living today and their ancient ancestors to understand the evolution of the species. They found that Norwegian lemmings and Western Siberian ones each belonged to their distinct evolutionary branches. The research on these two branches revealed some interesting facts. One was the lack of evidence for interbreeding between the species, which is unusual amongst recently separated species and those that inhabit the same geographical regions. The Norwegian lemming was found to be among the most recent mammals. It diverged from the Western Siberian Lemming at an incredibly shallow time interval. Edana LORD, a postdoctoral research fellow at Stockholm University and the author of the press release, said that these species appeared to remain isolated after this point, since we found no evidence for interbreeding. It is surprising that there was no interbreeding, since species of mammal split up often share genetic material. These two populations of lemmings appear to be genetically distinct.
(Image Credit: Love Dalen)
An Norwegian lemming emerges from beneath rocks at Sarek National Park in Sweden. Love Dalen (Image credit)
Scientists also discovered hundreds mutations that are only found in Norwegian lemmings. The mutations were mostly in genes that are linked to fur colour, fat storage and behavior. The Norwegian lemming’s ability to survive harsh climates may be explained by these evolved traits. Scientists have often attributed the Norwegian lemming’s striking black and yellow fur coat to its ability thrive in its Fennoscandian habitat. This species is also very active even in the winter, helping them to avoid predators and survive. The study also clarified how lemmings are related. The team also identified a third group of lemmings: Eastern Siberian Lemmus paulus. Researchers hope that in the future they can continue using modern genetic tools for exploring these three lemming groups and learning more about how the environment affects these rapid, exciting evolutionary splits. This work is a major step forward in understanding lemming evolution and speciation. In a press release, Love Dalen said that the work paved the way for future exciting research.
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The Norwegian lemming’s genome analysis suggests recent speciation, and that it was isolated postglacially.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The Norwegian lemming’s genome analysis suggests recent speciation, and that it was isolated postglacially.
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