The most extensive collection of cetacean genes to date has enabled researchers at Flinders University to delve deeply ‘into the blue’ and understand the remarkable evolution of baleen whales. This recent study investigates the vital genetic adaptations of these various whale species inhabiting the vast oceans worldwide, offering new perspectives on their survival challenges and prospects.
The most extensive collection of cetacean genes to date has enabled Flinders University researchers to dive deeply ‘into the blue’ and understand the remarkable evolution of baleen whales.
The study, published in the international journal Gene, examines the important genetic adaptations of these different whale species scattered across the planet’s oceans, providing fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities they face for survival.
“We know very little about the genetic diversity of modern whales compared to land animals, so these findings offer new information about their evolution and changes over the last 50 million years,” explains PhD candidate Gabrielle Genty from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University.
This research sheds light on fascinating mammals, from the massive blue and fin whales to the diving and migratory skills of other baleen whales like humpbacks, minkes, and gray whales.
Although genes linked to survival, aging, movement, immunity, and reproduction were emphasized, scientists note that future adaptations must also address climate change and other threats such as marine pollution and diseases.
“For instance, we discovered genes that boost immunity are crucial for the largest species, including fin whales and the blue whale, the biggest creature on Earth,” adds Ms. Genty from the Flinders Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) and the Molecular Ecology Lab at Flinders University (MELFU).
Their additional immune system adaptations possibly enable these species to reach their enormous size without experiencing severe health problems like tumors and cancers, which are usually linked to larger body masses and rapid cell growth.
The research analyzed a dataset containing 10,159 genes across 15 cetacean species as well as two terrestrial species—hippos and cows (Hippopotamus amphibius and Bos taurus), recognized as the closest land relatives of whales.
Baleen whales exhibit high mobility and inhabit deep waters, making their study quite complex.
Senior co-author, Flinders University Associate Professor Luciana Möller, states that cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) have evolved into numerous groups since they transitioned from land to their aquatic environments throughout history.
This evolutionary process has led to at least 89 primary species, classified into two major suborders: 74 under Odontoceti (toothed whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and 15 under Mysticeti (baleen whales), which utilize baleen plates for filter-feeding.
