How ‘Jumping Genes’ Explain the Sloth’s Slow Evolution
Genetic researchers have linked the sloth’s exceptionally slow metabolism and low-energy lifestyle to ancient “jumping genes” that have persisted in their DNA for over 30 million years. According to a study, these transposable elements—DNA sequences capable of relocating within a genome—appear to be associated with mitochondria, effectively acting as a biological “backup system” that supports … Read more