Content of review 1, reviewed on September 02, 2014

The genomes of two Antarctic penguins reveal adaptations to the cold aquatic environment by Cai Li, et al.

The manuscript reports the genome sequences of two penguin species. Basic evolutionary questions are addressed, with most of the paper devoted to relating the sequenced genes to penguin phenotypes associated with the species' adaptations to their harsh environment.

The issues investigated and the methods employed meet community standards.

I found nothing to criticize about the paper, though I was a bit disappointed that with all the experience and brainpower among the authors, nothing struck me as particularly novel or adventurous. Still, the paper has a workmanlike solidity and reports on an interesting project, and a number of readers will find it interesting.

Level of interest:

An article of importance in its field

Quality of written English:

Acceptable

Statistical review:

Yes, but I do not feel adequately qualified to assess the statistics.

Declaration of competing interests:

I declare that I have no competing interests.

Source

    © 2014 the Reviewer (CC BY 3.0 - source).

References

    Cai, L., Yong, Z., Jianwen, L., Lesheng, K., Haofu, H., Hailin, P., Luohao, X., Yuan, D., Qiye, L., Lijun, J., Hao, Y., Yan, C., Binghang, L., Linfeng, Y., Shiping, L., Yan, Z., Yongshan, L., Jinquan, X., Weiming, H., Qiong, S., Sankar, S., D., M. C., Stephen, M., M., R. C., K., F. M., J., G. M., A., C. T., D., P. D., Wanjun, G., Kiwoong, N., Hans, E., W., H. S. Y., W., B. D., P., P. C., D., J. E., P., G. M. T., Huanming, Y., Jian, W., M., L. D., Jun, W., Guojie, Z. 2014. Two Antarctic penguin genomes reveal insights into their evolutionary history and molecular changes related to the Antarctic environment. GigaScience.