Cephalopods, like octopuses and squids, have always intrigued scientists. But a crucial piece of the puzzle about their evolution was missing. Recently, the vampire squid has stepped into the spotlight to shed some light.
The vampire squid, or Vampyroteuthis infernalis, boasts glowing eyes and eight arms, similar to octopuses. This unique creature has a rich ruby color and has been dubbed a “living fossil.” A recent study revealed that its genetic makeup is surprisingly similar to that of squids and cuttlefish, even though it’s classified among octopuses.
In a study published in iScience, researchers sequenced the vampire squid’s genome and uncovered fascinating details about its ancestry. They believe it shares a common ancestor with squids that existed around 300 million years ago. Oleg Simakov, a lead researcher from the University of Vienna, described this ancient branching in the evolutionary tree as a significant event in cephalopod history.
To conduct this research, scientists obtained a rare vampire squid specimen during a deep-sea expedition. Utilizing advanced technology called PacBio for genetic analysis, they found that the vampire squid’s genome has 11 billion base pairs, making it the largest sequenced cephalopod genome to date. This is nearly four times the size of the human genome.
Interestingly, while modern octopuses often shuffle their DNA, the vampire squid retains many of its ancestral traits. This suggests that in many ways, it resembles a primitive squid.
The vampire squid’s history is equally compelling. First identified in 1903, it was initially categorized as a type of octopus. By the 1950s, scientists recognized it as its own unique order, Vampyromorphida, due to its distinct features.
Bruce Robison, a senior scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, noted that understanding the vampire squid’s genetic traits helps clarify why it still resembles its ancient relatives. He emphasized how hard it is to study these creatures because they inhabit deep, isolated waters and struggle to survive in captivity.
As science delves into this evolutionary mystery, the vampire squid continues to captivate researchers. Its traits not only provide insight into the past but also spark curiosity about the wonders still hidden in our oceans.
For more insights into cephalopod evolution, read the full study in iScience here and explore deeper into marine biology at Monterey Bay Aquarium.
