Researchers recently discovered that certain ctenophores, more commonly known as “sea nuts,” can fuse into a single entity after being injured. This unique adaptation, fusing their nervous systems and stomachs, constitutes a behavior never observed in other species.
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An unexpected encounter in the laboratory
During routine experiments on warty ctenophores (Mnemiopsis leidyi), also known as sea nuts, researchers from the University of Exeter and the Okazaki National Institutes of Natural Sciences in Japan observed an astonishing phenomenon . One specimen was missing from their laboratory tank, and another appeared unusually large. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that two individuals were entangled, forming a single entity with no visible separation between them.
A Unique Adaptation to Injury
This fusion of ctenophores appeared as a novel adaptation to injury. To confirm this hypothesis, the researchers carried out experiments where they removed small sections of the bodies of 20 individuals and placed them close to each other. Nine of the pairs successfully merged. These injuries, although considered minor by the researchers, were sufficient to induce fusion, a process never before observed in the natural world.
Even if it looks like Mnemiopsis leidyi is not a jellyfish (source: wikimedia commons)
Implications for evolutionary understanding
These discoveries open new perspectives on the evolution of survival mechanisms in ctenophores. Considered among the strangest creatures of the deep sea and often cited as one of humanity’s oldest ancestors, ctenophores use fascinating adaptations to navigate their extreme environment. The ability to fusion could be an evolutionary strategy developed to survive the hostile conditions of the deep sea.
Characteristics and habitat of ctenophores
Ctenophores are gelatinous creatures with comb-like tentacles. They are notable for their ability to create luminous displays in the deep sea using specialized cells making their translucent bodies luminous. These animals, although related to jellyfish, have unique characteristics that place them in a group of their own.
Potential impacts on marine ecosystems
The discovery of ctenophore fusion could have significant implications for understanding interactions and population dynamics in deep marine ecosystems. This fusion capacity could play a role in the resilience of ctenophores in the face of predators or changing environments, thus influencing marine biodiversity.
Future Research Perspectives
The researchers plan to expand their studies to explore whether other ctenophore species possess similar abilities and what impact this might have on their classification and ecological understanding. Further research could also determine whether this fusion affects the reproduction and genetics of the merged individuals.
This article explores the recent discovery of a unique adaptation in ctenophores, where these creatures can merge into a single entity after injury. This behavior, which includes fusion of nervous systems and stomachs, has never been observed before in other species and could challenge our current understanding of survival mechanisms in deep marine environments.
Source : CELL
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