New Research Reveals Misleading Section of Bird Genome, Redefines Family Tree

Scientists uncover a genomic anomaly that has obscured the true evolutionary relationships among birds for millions of years.

Recent studies published in Nature and PNAS show that a specific section of the bird genome has misled scientists about avian evolutionary history.
The discovery identifies four main groups of birds, challenging previous categorizations that grouped most species into two major categories.
This genomic anomaly dates back to the period following the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, approximately 65 million years ago.
Advanced genomic sequencing and analysis have enabled scientists to correct the bird family tree, offering new insights into avian diversification.
The findings are part of the Bird 10,000 Genomes Project, aiming to generate draft genome sequences for about 10,500 living bird species.