LAUSR

Genomics The Y chromosome confers maleness in most mammals and in other species, including flies and some plants. Studies of this chromosome and its evolutionary history can inform upon evolutionary lineages and the genes involved in male fertility. However, the Y chromosome has been difficult to sequence; because of its high content of repetitive DNA and low gene number, it is often absent from genomic assemblies. Cechova et al. generated draft sequences of the bonobo and orangutan Y chromosomes and compared them with previously sequenced human, gorilla, and chimpanzee Y chromosomes. By comparing the Y chromosomes of all great ape species, this study provides resources for understanding the evolution of this chromosome, which can help explain population genetic differences within and between these species and may aid in conservation for our endangered closest relatives. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 117 , 26273 (2020).