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We can learn a lot about the human brain by studying the nervous systems of other animals. Plus, sometimes researchers discover things that are just plain weird! Enjoy this collection of tidbits about animal brains.
The tuatara lizard is called a “living fossil” because it is the last surviving member of the Rhynchocephalia order. Learn more about the tuatara in the infographic below!
For more info:
Tuatara: Sphenodon punctalus. http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tuatara.
Ung, C. Y., & Molteno, A. C. (2004). An enigmatic eye: the histology of the tuatara pineal complex. Clinical and Experimental Opthalmology, 32(6), 614-618.
Also known as the cock-eyed squid, this beautiful and weird creature is unique not only because of its similarities to a strawberry, but also because of its two very special eyes. Like many others creatures who live in the deep ocean, the strawberry squid has figured out a special way to spy on prey in little to no light. Learn more in the infographic below:
For more info:
Higgins, C. (2016). The Case of the Green-Eyed Squid. Retrieved August 27, 2017, from http://mentalfloss.com/article/82383/case-green-eyed-squid
Simon, M. (2016). Absurd Creatures: Why the Strawberry Squid Has One Tiny Eye and One Giant Eye. Retrieved August 27, 2017, from https://www.wired.com/2016/04/absurd-creatures-strawberry-squid-one-tiny-eye-one-giant-eye/
Thomas, K. N., Robison, B. H., & Johnsen, S. (2017). Two eyes for two purposes: in situ evidence for asymmetric vision in the cockeyed squids Histioteuthis heteropsis and Stigmatoteuthis dofleini. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 372(1717), 20160069. doi:10.1098/rstb.2016.0069
Brittle stars are covered in protective outer plates, but they also have another structure of internal plates. A particular species of brittle star seems to be able to use these internal plates for vision: it reacts to visual stimuli, like the presence of a predator or a safe place to hide.
Scientists hope we can improve existing technology and invent new technology by understanding how the brittle star uses these calcite lenses.
For more info:
Burgess, Daniel S. (2014). Brittle Star Features Calcite Lenses. Photonics Media. Photonics Media, 10 Jan.
Ye, Xiaozhou, Fei Zhang, Yurong Ma, and Limin Qi. (2014). Brittlestar-Inspired Microlens Arrays Made of Calcite Single Crystals. Small. 1677-682.
Roach, John. (2001). Brittle Star Found Covered With Optically Advanced “Eyes”. National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 22 Aug. 2001.
