Sea urchins have 'all-body brains' like ours
Sea urchins possess 'all-body brains' with genetic similarities to humans.
Why it matters
- Challenges the idea of 'simple' nervous systems in echinoderms.
- Shows complex nervous systems can evolve without a centralized brain.
- Provides insights into nervous system evolution.
By the numbers
- Over 50% of cell clusters in juveniles are neurons.
- Study focused on purple sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus).
- Neurons express various molecular signatures like dopamine, serotonin.
The big picture
- Decentralized but complex nervous systems may be more common.
- Rethinking how complex nervous systems evolve.
What they're saying
- Some note that decentralized nervous systems are known in other animals.
- Comments highlight genetic similarities between urchins and vertebrates.
Caveats
- Study limited to one species (purple sea urchins).
- Focuses on juvenile stage; adult systems may differ.
What’s next
- Research on other echinoderm species and life stages.
- Functional implications of decentralized nervous systems.