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Vampire Squid Genome Sequenced: A 300 Million-Year Mystery

12/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The vampire squid genome was sequenced, totaling over 11 billion base pairs.
The genome is more than twice the size of the largest squid genomes.
The vampire squid retains a squid-like chromosomal structure despite not being a squid or octopus.
The study, published in iScience, suggests a divergence about 300 million years ago.

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Story summary

The vampire squid genome was sequenced, totaling over 11 billion base pairs.
The genome is more than twice the size of the largest squid genomes.
The vampire squid retains a squid-like chromosomal structure despite not being a squid or octopus.
The study, published in iScience, suggests a divergence about 300 million years ago.