While the world’s largest animals often steal the spotlight, some biologists argue that the tiniest creatures deserve just as much, if not more, attention. Thanks to a substantial $1.66 million grant from the European Research Council, experts are gearing up to delve into the world of these small yet biologically fascinating beings on an unprecedented scale.
In a recent announcement on September 5, curator of herpetology at Denmark’s Natural History Museum and University of Copenhagen assistant professor Mark Scherz unveiled his ambitious five-year project called GEMINI (Genomics of Miniaturization in Vertebrates). Through GEMINI, Scherz and his team aim to unravel the mysteries of how animals like flea toads, dwarf pygmy goby fish, and bumblebee bats have managed to shrink down their biological components into such compact forms without compromising efficiency or health. This groundbreaking research could shed light on how genetic efficiency and enhancement play out in some of the most overlooked species.
“While larger animals often capture our attention, I find it equally fascinating how nature has condensed the same vital organs into a less than one-centimeter-long frog,” stated Scherz. “There is still much we don’t know about this process, and I am determined to change that.”
Previous studies on the genomes of miniature animals have revealed a pattern of “clean-up and innovation” as they evolve to smaller sizes. While some simplification involves the removal of so-called “junk” DNA, other changes occur in various genes. Scherz’s goal over the next few years is to delve deeper into this latter category.
In the past, many evolutionary biologists adhered to a theory known as “Cope’s rule,” suggesting that species tend to grow larger as they evolve. However, it is now clear that this trend is not always the case, as physiological limitations such as heat exchange, water exchange, oxygen exchange, and gravity come into play.
Contrary to Cope’s rule, Scherz proposes that smaller animals might be where the most significant innovations occur. Consider this: the flea frog, the world’s smallest vertebrate discovered just last year in Brazil, houses essentially every vital organ found in humans, elephants, and blue whales—all in a seven-millimeter package. The amphibian accomplishes all the basic biological functions of larger animals but with a fraction of the energy.
[Related: A new evolutionary theory could explain the mystery of shrinking animals.]
“While everyone focuses on blue whales and elephants, the real marvel lies in compressing everything found in a twenty-three-tonne blue whale into a seven-millimeter package,” Scherz emphasized.
In an email conversation with Popular Science, Scherz expressed his belief that his research findings could have far-reaching applications in the fields of biomedical research, bioengineering, and biotechnology.
“Bioengineering and biotechnology constantly seek inspiration from nature to understand what is achievable. In a time where technology is moving towards extreme miniaturization, studying nature’s examples of complexity at remarkably small sizes will be crucial,” Scherz concluded.
