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Brittle Stars

All articles tagged with #brittle stars

neuroscience2 years ago•5 min saved

Headless Brittle Stars: Learning Without a Brain

Brittle stars, brainless marine creatures related to starfish, have been found to learn through experience, challenging our understanding of learning and intelligence. In a study, researchers demonstrated that brittle stars can associate darkness with feeding times through classical conditioning, similar to Pavlov's dogs. This learning capability was observed even without sensory cues like smell or taste. The findings suggest that even simple nervous systems can adapt and learn, expanding our understanding of intelligence in the animal kingdom.

via Neuroscience News|

#brittle-stars #classical-conditioning #intelligence

biology2 years ago•4 min saved

Headless Brittle Stars: Learning Without a Brain

Brittle stars, headless marine creatures without brains, have been found to learn through experience and classical conditioning. In a series of experiments, researchers trained brittle stars to associate darkness with food by dimming the lights whenever they were fed. Over time, the brittle stars learned to come out of hiding when the lights went out, even before any food was present. This demonstrates that brittle stars are capable of learning and suggests that they can anticipate food and potentially avoid predators based on their environment, despite lacking a traditional brain.

via Phys.org|

#biology #brainless-animals #brittle-stars

paleontology2 years ago•2 min saved

Ancient brittle star fossils unearthed in South Africa reveal Gondwana's secrets

Paleontologists have discovered the oldest known samples of brittle stars from the supercontinent Gondwana at a dig site in South Africa. The samples, found in near-perfect condition, include a new species named Krommaster spinosus. These molds, approximately 410 million years old, provide valuable insights into the diversification of brittle stars and their historical coexistence with modern species. The findings expand our understanding of ancient marine ecosystems and the evolution of marine life on Gondwana.

via Phys.org|

#brittle-stars #fossil-discovery #gondwana