DNA Flip Switches Found To “Supercharge” Evolution

• Scientists from Cambridge and Antwerp found that chunks of “flipped” DNA, called chromosomal inversions, help fish adapt quickly and form new species.

• Studied in cichlid fish from Lake Malawi, where 800+ species evolved rapidly from a common ancestor.

• Chromosomal inversions prevent reshuffling of genes during reproduction, preserving useful gene combinations known as supergenes.

• Maintain traits like vision, hearing, and behavior suited to specific environments.

• Keep species distinct even when they live

side by side.

• Sometimes act as sex chromosomes, influencing speciation.

• The study offers insights into rapid biodiversity and suggests such inversions may play a role in other species, including humans.

• Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Nyasa or Niassa) is the third-largest lake in Africa and the ninth-largest in the world by volume.

• It is located in southeastern Africa and shared by three countries:

• Malawi – forms the western and southern shore

• Mozambique – borders the eastern and southeastern shore

• Tanzania – borders the northeastern shore

• Formed by the Great Rift Valley.

• Known for its extraordinary biodiversity, especially over 800 species of cichlid

fish, many found nowhere else.

• Important for fishing, transport, and freshwater supply.

• Subject to territorial disputes, especially between Malawi and Tanzania over border demarcation.