Editing Common loon (section)

=== Genomics ===
With improved [[gene]]-sequencing technology, a draft [[genome]] of the common loon has assembled and identified at least 14,169 genes. 80.7% of chicken genes are found in the common loon genome. The physiological costs of deep-water diving and long distance aerial migration of loons have greatly affected loon evolution. Many identified genes are candidate genes for positive selection since the common loon-chicken split 90 million years ago. It is theorized that these candidate genes are related to [[haemoglobin]] affinity for oxygen, solute exchange, [[immunoglobulin]] function related to immune defence, [[nervous system]] development and a number of molecular pathways related to DNA metabolic function, and G-receptor pathways potentially involved in low-light visual acuity. For example, SLC48A, and SLC20A1 are candidate genes in the ''Gavia'' lineage for maintaining [[homeostasis]] due to maybe having a role in maintaining ion and pH balance.<ref>{{cite journal | pmc=5921391 | year=2018 | last1=Gayk | first1=Z. G. | last2=Le Duc | first2=D. | last3=Horn | first3=J. | last4=Lindsay | first4=A. R. | title=Genomic insights into natural selection in the common loon (Gavia immer): Evidence for aquatic adaptation | journal=BMC Evolutionary Biology | volume=18 | issue=1 | page=64 | doi=10.1186/s12862-018-1181-6 | pmid=29703132 | doi-access=free | bibcode=2018BMCEE..18...64G }}</ref>