Genome evolution: extinction, continuation or explosion?

► Genome-scale evolution involves mutation, chromosomal rearrangements, hybridisation and polyploidy. ► Repeated sequences can be localised or dispersed in the genome and make up most of the DNA. ► Evolutionary processes may be continuous or episodic and have contrasting long and short-term consequences. ► Sequences, synthetic hybrids, comparative genomics and modelling link genome behaviour and consequences. ► Understanding genome evolution is critical for biodiversity conservation and breeding sustainable crops.