Hornwort Genomes Unveil Ancient Plant Evolution

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Tiny hornworts, surviving for 450 million years, share secrets about how plants adapted to live on land.

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Scientists decoded genes of ten hornwort families, finding stable chromosomes unlike other plant species.

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Hornworts split from other plants 470 million years ago but kept only 230 species compared to Earth's 400,000 plant species.

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Research shows hornworts avoided whole-genome duplication while developing unique accessory chromosomes.

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BTI scientists discovered genes controlling UV protection, gas exchange, and growth signals in hornworts.

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Dr. Peter Schafran confirms hornworts maintained stable chromosomes despite evolving separately for several hundred million years.

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The genetic study reveals how early plants adapted to harsh land environments from water.

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Professor Jan de Vries explains how hornwort genes help track Earth's first plant adaptations.

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Dr. Sophie de Vries emphasizes studying overlooked plants reveals core principles of plant biology.

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Hornwort research provides clues for understanding plant survival in changing environments.

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