Centipedes' genome reveals how life evolved

In a first, scientists have genetically sequenced the genome of the centipede, gaining new insight into how life developed on our planet.

The genetic data reveals how creatures transitioned from their original dwelling-place in the sea to living on land.

"The use of different evolutionary solutions to similar problems shows that myriapods (which include centipedes and millipedes) and insects adapted to dry land," said professor Ariel Chipman, project leader at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Science.

"The centipede and insect genomes shows that they independently evolved different solutions to the same problem shared by all land-dwelling creatures - that of living in dry air," he stated.

Centipedes are members of the arthropods, a group with numerous species including insects, spiders and other animals.

The study found that despite being closely related to insects, the centipede lacks the olfactory gene family used by insects to smell the air.

Later, they developed an air-sniffing ability by expanding other gene families not present in insects.

"In addition," Chipman said, "this specific group of centipedes live underground and have lost their eyes, together with almost all vision genes and genes involved in the body's internal clock."

They maintain enhanced sensory capabilities enabling them to recognize their environment and capture prey.

Published in the latest edition of PLOS Biology, the research is a collaborative effort by over 100 scientists from 50 institutions.