The Astonishing Reproductive Strategy of Sea Worms: Detaching Butts for Love and Life

Megasyllis nipponica, an annelid worm, has a unique reproductive strategy where its rear end, called a stolon, detaches from its body and swims off to mate. The stolon develops eyes, antennae, and swimming bristles to navigate independently. Scientists have discovered that the stolon's "head" develops in the mid-body of the adult worm, and the expression of specific genes is associated with this transformation. The study sheds light on the adaptation and genetic mechanisms behind this bizarre reproductive behavior.