研究人员利用先进的长读DNA测序技术，在棕树蛇基因组中发现了超过19000个大型遗传差异[1]。这些结构变异主要集中在免疫和嗅觉相关基因中[1]，改变的基因组数量约为单碱基对变化的8倍[1]。
这一隐藏的遗传多样性为一个长期困扰科学家的谜团提供了答案：仅由少数蛇只建立的种群为何能够克服近交衰退、成功适应关岛环境并扩张至极高密度[1]。研究显示，关岛棕树蛇种群在某些地区的密度已达到每平方英里30000条蛇[1]。该研究成果于2026年7月24日发表在《Science Advances》期刊上[1]。
Researchers have discovered that brown tree snakes possess far greater genetic diversity than previously understood, which explains how a small founding population managed to establish itself and flourish on Guam despite the typical constraints of inbreeding.[1] Using advanced long-read DNA sequencing technology, scientists identified over 19,000 large-scale structural genetic variations within the snakes' genome, with the majority concentrated in genes related to immunity and olfaction.[1] These hidden genetic variations account for approximately eight times more genetic changes than single base-pair mutations alone, providing the populations with sufficient diversity to overcome inbreeding depression and adapt to the island environment.[1]
The brown tree snake population on Guam has reached extraordinary densities in certain areas, reaching as high as 30,000 snakes per square mile.[1] Findings from the research were published on July 24, 2026, in Science Advances.[1]