Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have published the first chromosome-by-chromosome assembled reference genome for the European hare (Lepus europaeus).
The researchers said that the species has historically served as the inspiration for the original Easter Bunny in European folklore.
The sample came from a male specimen found in the municipality of Liperi in North Karelia.
Comprising 2.9 billion base pairs, this new DNA assembly sets a benchmark for future genomic comparisons and research within the species.
According to the researchers, the DNA assembly represents a standard against which other genetic material will be compared in the future, such as that of the closely related Mountain hare (Lepus timidus).
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