Great Ape Research Reveals Y Chromosome Is Evolving Faster Than the X

New end-to-end X and Y chromosome sequences uncover enormous variation on the Y chromosome, informing human evolution and disease as well as conservation genetics of endangered apes.

A collaborative research team has generated complete reference genomes for the sex chromosomes of several great and lesser apes, revealing rapid evolutionary changes, particularly on the Y chromosome. These findings provide a basis for future studies on ape reproduction, fertility, and sex-specific genetic traits, enhancing understanding of primate evolution and related human diseases.