A chromosome-level, haplotype-resolved genome assembly for the barn owl, Tyto alba.
A chromosome-level, haplotype-resolved genome assembly for Tyto alba reveals 46 chromosomes, including microchromosomes, matching the species' karyotype.
- Why it matters: Avian genomes are difficult to assemble due to microchromosomes that are often missing, hindering studies of genome structure and evolution in birds.
- What they did: Using a trio-binning approach with Illumina, PacBio HiFi, and Oxford Nanopore data, researchers generated two phased contig sets and integrated microchromosomes into a complete assembly of 46 chromosomes.
- The result: This high-quality genome enables detailed analysis of structural variation and avian genome evolution, providing a valuable resource for future research in Strigiformes.