We may not understand all the science involved, but most of us have heard of the Human Genome Project and that its research is involved with sequencing the human DNA.

A group of dedicated scientists in the U.S. is now working on a similar project, but on a more diversified scale.  They’re part of the “Genome 10K” project which aims at sequencing the genome of thousands of animal species:  at least one individual from each vertebrate genus, approximately 10,000 genomes.

The community of scientists working on the “Genome 10K” research project are based at the University of California Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, and say that discovering the genetic diversity of thousands of species would create what they describe as a priceless resource for the life sciences as well as conservation efforts around the world.

As part of their efforts the scientists have also created new methodologies for genome sequencing and analysis which they subsequently proved in hundreds of cases, many involving endangered species.