Where do you think sequencing will go with species in the next few years – is this the beginning of all species being

rrutland

When you are born do you stay with your mum and dad or do you leave them? (1 Comment)

hannahannah

How good is your sight?

jim101

are you popular around the UK?

anyanya

how long do you take to reach adulthood?

jim101

when and who discovered you

guineapiggirl124

are you sensitive to any colours or are you colour-blind?

megthepeg

can you have twins?

hannahannah

are you nocturnel

jeffrey

what’s the difference between a barn owl and a normal owl?

hannahannah

Do you shed?

jim101

can your babies fly immediately

rmcilduff755

Does everybody have stem cells?

sbyrnes771

Do your homes ever get destroyed?

sbyrnes771

Do you ever move homes?

sbyrnes771

How many toes/talons do you have?

sbyrnes771

How is DNA like a recipe book?

sbyrnes771

why would you describe yourself as old and new?

hannahannah

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the winning species in the Iconic Zone is the Lesser Spotted Catshark

Find out more about sequencing

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VOTE for a species to be sequenced for the first time ever!

Iconic Zone

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is one of the world’s leading genomics research centres. In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the Institute is going to decode the DNA of 25 UK species for the first time…and you can vote to decide 5 of them! 

A hibernating hazel dormouse | Image: Zoë Helene Kindermann

From 6th November – 8th December, a team of scientists and wildlife experts will each champion a species they think should have its entire DNA sequence decoded.

This is the Iconic Zone, with eight species up for the vote. The UK is home to many organisms that are recognisable to all. Sequencing the genome of an iconic species such as these would be great for public outreach and engagement in science. It’s also a chance for us to help make sure we continue to support well-loved species from becoming extinct, like the endangered hazel dormouse.  

As well as the dormouse, you’ll find out about species like the emperor dragonfly, who you might spot during the summer months, the brown garden snail, which you might find outside your house and the distinctive barn owl native to the UK countryside.

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