Chelydra serpentina Genome sequencing and assembly. Chelydra serpentina

Several characteristics make the common snapping turtle a particularly good model for turtle biology. The aim of this study was to assemble and annotate the first draft genome for the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), which is the most widespread and abundant species in the family Chelydridae. Draft genome and information of genomic resources will facilitate research on phenotypic plasticity/stability and evolution in turtles. The draft genome will also be useful for studying other ecologically important traits and characterizing population genomic variation. Such studies will provide insight into genetic adaptation to climate because the common snapping turtle ranges from tropical to sub-tropical to temperate zones within North America. The genome will be valuable for comparative studies with the other living Chelydridae, which are listed as vulnerable on the ICUN Red List (2017): Macrochelys temminckii in North America, Chelydra rossignoni in Central America, and Chelydra acutirostris in South America.