Genome evolution: extinction, continuation or explosion?

Darwin recognised the processes of speciation and the frequent extinction of species. We now understand many of the genome-scale processes occurring during evolution involving mutations, amplification, loss or homogenisation of DNA sequences; rearrangement, fusion and fission of chromosomes; and horizontal transfer of genes or genomes, including processes involving hybridisation and polyploidy. DNA sequence information, combined with appropriate informatic tools and experimental approaches such as generation of synthetic hybrids, comparison of genotypes across environments, and modelling of genomic responses, is now letting us link genome behaviour with its consequences. The understanding of genome evolution will be of critical value both for conservation of the biodiversity of the plant kingdom and addressing the challenges of breeding new and more sustainable crops to feed the human population.