Size does not matter: direct estimations of mutation rates in baleen whales

Abstract

Baleen whales were thought to have low mutation rates due to their size and long lifespan. By performing direct estimations of their mutation rates we found that despite being the largest and longest-living mammals, their mutation rates are similar to ours and other mammals. We also showed that it is possible to directly estimate mutation rates in wild populations in the absence of known pedigrees.