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Phylum:

Tracheophyta

Estimated genome size:

15 cm

Organism size:

15 cm

Distribution:

Vernal pools from Clanwilliam to Knersvlakte and Nieuwoudtville
escarpment.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

95 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.61 kilobases

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

0.25 Gigabases

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

100%

Importance:

This remarkable aquatic Oxalis only grows in seasonal pools that dry up in summer. It is only very distantly related to some of the other morphologically similar aquatic species, providing a wonderful example of convergent evolution in the South African flora.

Sample Contributor contact details

Dr Kenneth Oberlander
University of Pretoria

Phylum:

Chordata

Estimated genome size:

260 Million DNA base pairs (2.6 Gb Giga bases)

Organism size:

12-13 meter TL

Distribution:

The inshore Bryde's whale population displays a restricted distribution to the continental shelf waters of South Africa, mostly focused on the Agulhas Bank. This population does move up the east coast during autumn and winter as they follow their main prey source, sardine.

PromethION Sequencing Report:

Output:

135.04 Gigabases

Approximate N50:

5.67 kilobases

Balaenoptera brydei

Bryde's whale

Species Card Details

Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:

Genome Length:

2364.73 Mb

BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):

98.1%

Importance:

As the only South African resident baleen whale dependent on economically important pelagic fish, the species has high economic and ecological value in the local marine environment. Many aspects of this elusive population remain unknown. A high quality reference genome is essential from a conservation perspective, as it will serve as a basis for downstream genomic comparisons on both local and global scales, ultimately providing a comprehensive overview of this population's viability.

Sample Contributor contact details

Prof. Paulette Bloomer
University of Pretoria

Photo credit:

© C. Wilkinson

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