An integrated chromosome-scale genome assembly of the Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)

Background: The Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) is the largest-bodied giraffe and the world’s tallest terrestrial animal. With its extreme size and height, the giraffe’s unique anatomical and physiological adaptations have long been of interest to diverse research fields. Giraffes are also critical to ecosystems of sub-Saharan Africa, with their long neck serving as a […]

Karyotype evolution of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) revealed by cross-species chromosome painting with Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and human (Homo sapiens) paints

Considering the giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis,  GCA, 2n = 30) as a primitive species, its comparative genomic data are critical for our understanding of the karyotype evolution of pecorans. Here, we have established genome-wide chromosomal homologies between giraffe, Chinese muntjac ( Muntiacus reevesi,  MRE, 2n = 46) and human ( Homo sapiens, HSA, 2n = […]