The Role of Genome Features and Components in Ecology and Evolution

Advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics now provide unprecedented insights into genome composition, function, and evolution, as well as their links to phenotype, environmental responses, and speciation. Genome aspects—such as size, structure, and chromosomal organization—along with components like genes, transposable elements, and pseudogenes, and processes such as whole-genome duplication or horizontal gene transfer, all influence organismal ecology and evolution. Even elements once considered non-functional, including transposons, simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and non-coding DNA, are increasingly recognized as important for adaptation and evolutionary change. Yet, the precise contributions of nuclear and organellar genome features to ecological and evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood.With growing genome data across diverse taxa, including non-model species, comparative analyses now allow assessment of the evolutionary and ecological significance of different genomic elements. While research has traditionally focused on genes and gene expression, recent studies highlight that other genomic features, previously overlooked, also shape development and environmental responses.This special issue aims to showcase recent discoveries linking genomic features with ecological and evolutionary processes, spanning prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We seek studies addressing how ecology influences genome evolution and how genomic variation affects adaptability to environmental stress.We welcome empirical studies, reviews, opinions, and technical papers examining the roles of diverse genomic features, as well as the tools and approaches used to study them. Submissions on non-classical elements—such as transposons, microsatellites, minisatellites, pseudogenes, genome size, GC content, small ORFs, MORFFO elements—and mechanisms like whole-genome duplication, horizontal gene transfer, or organellar genome traits are especially encouraged. Studies focused on genes and gene expression are also invited. Contributions from all taxa are welcome, with particular interest in non-model and rare species. Topic editors: Darina Koubínová, Mohadeseh Tahami, Aidan Taylor Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/61963/the-role-of-genome-features-and-components-in-ecology-and-evolution