Genome Size Shapes Evolvability

The vampire squid’s newly sequenced genome is enormous (≈11 Gb, ~62% repeats) compared with octopus genomes (≈2–3 Gb). That contrast suggests that repeat‑driven genome expansion may constrain some forms of evolutionary innovation, whereas streamlined genomes might facilitate rapid neural and morphological evolution such as seen in octopuses. — If genome architecture materially channels how lineages can innovate, this reframes debates in evolution, conservation prioritization, and how genomic data should inform claims about 'complexity' or capacity for rapid adaptation.