What is comparative genomics?

Comparative genomics is a field of biological research that involves comparing the genomes of different species. The aim is to understand the differences and similarities in the genetic codes of various organisms, which can reveal insights into evolutionary relationships, genetic functions, and unique traits across species.

Dr. Erich Jarvis, during a discussion in the Huberman Lab, mentioned how comparative genomics plays a crucial role in projects like the Genome Ark. This initiative seeks to sequence the genomes of all species on Earth, including critically endangered ones. The comparison of these genomes helps in identifying genetic structures and functions that differ or are conserved, which contributes to our understanding of biology at a molecular level and assists in conservation efforts through potential species resurrection in the future 1.