Background Whole genome data are invaluable resources for both conservation and adaptation studies, especially for endemic species, providing insights into the evolution of genes involved in genomic adaptation across different environments. Objective We compare the newly generated genomic and transcriptomic data of the Cretan endemic lizard species Podarcis cretensis to other Podarcis species to obtain an overview of gene fami...

Reference genomes from representative species across families provide the critical infrastructure for research and conservation. The Cetacean Genomes Project (CGP) began in early 2020 to facilitate the generation of near error-free, chromosome-resolved reference genomes for all cetacean species. Towards that goal, and using the methods, goals and genome assembly quality standards of the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), we gen...