The mammalian genome is highly conserved. Gene function is usually comparable across species, and many human genetic diseases have homologues in other species. Gene arrangements are much more conserved across mammal species than is apparent from the variety of karyotypes. Thus the human genome is just one of many variants on a common theme. Comparative mapping of homologous genes across many mammal species therefore offers depth to the Human Genome Project.
Different mammals make different contributions to our knowledge of the human genome.
Laboratory rodents are very suitable for controlled breeding and linkage mapping, and provide important models of human disease. Although its rapid development is driven by economic factors, gene mapping in domestic mammals follows large genetically managed populations and involves close observation of disease states and polygenic traits that are difficult to study in humans. Other vertebrates can expand the evolutionary comparison still further. Functions and activity of the Committee on Comparative Gene Mapping. A problem in performing these functions arose with the abandonment of the Human Gene Mapping meetings.