BMC Biol November 2015 PMID 26537913

Horizontal gene transfer in bdelloid rotifers is ancient, ongoing and more frequent in species from desiccating habitats.

Isobel Eyres, Chiara Boschetti, Alastair Crisp, Thomas P Smith, Diego Fontaneto, Alan Tunnacliffe, Timothy G Barraclough

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Peak: 3 in Feb 2023

across 4 sources since Nov 2021

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions reflect a general interest and recognition of the importance of the research, with some posts emphasizing the unusual nature of bdelloid rotifers and their genetic exchange, such as describing them as an 'evolutionary scandal'. The tone is curious and speculative, which underscores the perceived significance in evolutionary biology and the potential for broader impacts.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of horizontal gene transfer in bdelloid rotifers, with some noting its implications for evolution and adaptation.

InterestModerate interest

Comments show moderate curiosity, especially with mentions of the unique biology of rotifers and the potential for HGT to impact evolutionary understanding.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants engage by referencing broader concepts, like evolutionary consequences and scientific debates, indicating thoughtful involvement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussion highlights the importance of the findings, especially noting rotifers as an 'evolutionary scandal' and contemplating broader implications like lunar survival.

Abstract in brief

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in bdelloid rotifers is an ancient and ongoing process, occurring more frequently in species from habitats that frequently dry out (desiccating habitats).
These rotifers have a higher proportion of foreign genes from nonmetazoan sources in their genomes compared to other animals, likely due to DNA repair mechanisms triggered by desiccation-related chromosome damage.
The study found that species that desiccate more often have more foreign genes, and many of these genes are unique to individual species, supporting the idea that HGT contributes to their adaptation and evolution.

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All mentions

Understanding Horizontal Gene Transfer in Bdelloid Rotifers

Rotifers are among the smallest animals, reproducing mainly by parthenogenesis. They exchange DNA directly, with horizontal gene transfer playing a key role, especially in species from desiccating habitats, aiding their…

Microbehunter · Feb 5, 2023 4,395 views

Survival Techniques of Ancient Bdelloid Rotifers in Permafrost

Discover how scientists found a bdelloid rotifer that survived in Arctic permafrost for about 24,000 years. This remarkable organism can withstand extreme conditions and reproduce asexually, shedding light on the…

Tobin Sparling · Nov 26, 2021 243 views

Mikey

@MickyCatholic · X

RT @doofgeek4011: ...many foreign genes. Moreover, if donors are extinct or unsampled, homology may be undetectable, which explains some ap…

Aug 18, 2025 · 1 share · 1,081 followers View post →

John Smith⚛ (Explorer of Reality)

@doofgeek4011 · X

Aug 18, 2025 · 2 likes · 1 share · 4,320 followers View post →

Dezene Huber

@docdez · X

@TRyanGregory :) Cage match! HGT during desiccation (on evolutionary time scales) vs. possible lunar survival.

Apr 17, 2023 · 1,992 followers View post →

Lanius

@General_JWJ · X

@p0quess1ng I think they stole a few genes from bacteria mostly https://t.co/yvLgKhAxvt

Feb 28, 2023 · 3 likes · 7,418 followers View post →

Giulia Lin

@SkeletonDancerx · X

Feb 11, 2023 · 1 like · 117 followers View post →