The purpose of this study is to predict the evolutionary history of far-red sensitivity in the Stomiidae family of deep-sea dragonfish. This entailed examining the proteins within rhodopsin. Additionally, the researchers wanted to determine when this evolution occurred and how many times. They achieved this through extracting DNA and performing PCR on each sample. Of the 28 genera, they were able to obtain samples from at least one species from 25 genera. From these procedures, the researchers were able to predict divergence times, identify tuning sites, and attempt to determine why far-red visual systems developed. It was concluded that the far-red sensitivity evolved once within the Stomiidae family, in a singly evolutionary event. The species Photostomious and Eustomias were determined to have evolved far-red visual systems and then eventually re-evolved blue visual systems. Currently, only four species of Stomiidae have sensitivities to far-red wavelengths, giving them advantages concerning predation and communication.
Comments
suggestion
Does the Stomiidae family need to be italisized? Also avoid using the passive voice like "it was concluded".
Comment
May want to explain why red light visualization is important.
suggestion
What is PCR?