Decoding the Enigma: Unveiling the True Nature of Starfish
TL;DR Summary
Scientists have discovered that starfish and other echinoderms have an unusual body plan where their "arms" are actually extensions of their head. Through gene analysis, researchers found that the majority of genes switched on in the outermost layers of the starfish body corresponded to those activated in the heads of acorn worms and vertebrates. This suggests that the trunk genes were lost in the evolution of echinoderms. The study sheds light on how adult echinoderms acquired their unique five-fold body plan and provides insights into the evolution of these creatures from their bilateral ancestors.
- Starfish ‘arms’ are actually extensions of their head, scientists say The Guardian
- Starfish do not have arms, but a five-pointed head, study says The Washington Post
- Scientists Finally Solve Mystery of Where Starfish Keep Their Heads Newsweek
- How would a starfish wear trousers? Science has an answer nature video
- Starfish Are Basically Bodiless Heads Crawling Around The Ocean, Scientists Say ScienceAlert
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