Museum Genomes Reveal Ecological Shifts

Extracting whole genomes from old museum specimens (museomics) can expose rapid, recent evolutionary transitions—such as a fruit fly shifting from rotting‑fruit detritivore to aquatic predator—by revealing gene loss, intensified selection on remaining sensory genes, and matching morphological specializations. These results show that natural‑history collections are living archives for reconstructing recent adaptive change and ecological loss when field sampling is impossible. — If museum genomes routinely expose recent adaptive or extinction‑linked changes, they reshape conservation priorities, how we interpret biodiversity loss, and the legal/ethical value of collections.