With a great deal of effort to save ancient Asian horseshoe crab seeds, researchers at Singapore National University (NUS) have begun the first comprehensive genome research on these amazing creatures. Their research combines state -of -the -art data and analysis to form a conservation strategy that can protect these species, which is important for the coastal marine ecosystem, and face the growth environmental pressure.
The integration of data, analysis, and genomic technology has changed its efforts. By mapping the genetic structure and identifying the main habitat, the NUS team has pioneered a more delicate and scientific approach to preserve the extinction Species species.
Horse -shaped crabs, which are often called “living fossils,” have a minimum change in biological structures, and have existed for over 450 million years. These marine arguments are indispensable for various species, especially the driving patterns, are dependent on horseshoe -shaped crab eggs. In addition, horseshoe -shaped crabs play an important role in biological medicine used in the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (Lal) test to detect harmful toxins in the vaccine.
However, the Atlantic horseshoe -shaped crab (Limulus Polyphemus) is widely studied, but research on three Asian species (mangrove), coastal and three -spine horseshoe -shaped crabs are limited. The International Nature Conservation Alliance (IUCN) labels two of these species as “lack of data”, and the three -spine species are classified as extinct ED species.
In order to fill the gap between this knowledge, NUS Biologists, led by Associate Professor Frank Lind, have begun research focusing on genome data collection on 52 sites in 11 countries. They analyzed the DNA from 251 horseshoe -shaped crabs and created three Asian species’ first genomic bass line datasets. With this data, researchers have mapped the population structure, identified important habitat, and provided a strong base for developing a conservation strategy.
Dr. Tang Qian, the first author of the research, emphasizes the importance of these discoveries and understands genetic diversity, so that conservation efforts are the most effective coastal hot spot. He explained that it would be useful. These hotspots are essential not only for horseshoe crabs, but also for other ocean species that depend on them.
Research on the NUS team has revealed a significant difference in vulnerabilities against climate change in crab species of each horse sole. All three are at risk, but the ability to adapt varies. For example, mangrove horseshoe crabs are particularly vulnerable and have a higher risk of local extinction. In contrast, the adaptability of mobile coasts and three spine species is higher.
Based on these discoveries, researchers propose various adjusted maintenance strategies.
Mangrove Horse Shoukani: Restore the habitat of mangrove in Tonkin Bay and southern China to support immigration and survival. Coastal horseshoe crabs: Protect Sunda shelves, maintain coastal corridors, and ensure population connections. Trispine Horse Shoukani: Conduct sustainable fisheries, restore local habitat in Japan, Taiwan, China, and reduce human threats.
The work of the research team shows the beginning of a bigger effort to ensure the future of horseshoe -shaped crabs. Creating Horseshoe Crab Global Biorpository in NUS ‘Lee Kong Chang Chian Nature History Museum is an important step in expanding this research. The repository accommodates genetic samples to support research, including the cooperation of Hong Kong’s China.
“We are aiming to improve our understanding of how a specific functional genes will help horseshoe -shaped crabs to adapt to their environment,” said Rheindt. “This study is extremely important in ensuring the survival of these ancient creatures, which are not only threats of climate change but also on coastal development and other human activities.
Since climate change and human development continue to threaten biodiversity, the use of advanced technologies to enable Asian horseshoe -shaped crab -like species to survive and prosper in many generations in the future. Is essential.
