Learning is an essential part of nerve cells or limited circuitry, according to Jan Bielecki, a neuroethologist at Kiel University in Germany. This discovery could potentially shed light on the evolution of learning in animals.
The nervous system of a Caribbean box jellyfish (Tripedalia cystophora) consists of four knoblike rhopalia that hang off its body’s bell. Each rhopalium contains six eyes and approximately 1,000 neurons. These jellyfish rely on their vision to navigate through tropical lagoons with mangrove roots, where they hunt small crustaceans.
Maneuvering between roots is a challenging task. Caribbean box jellyfish determine the distance of a root based on its contrast with the surrounding water. In clear waters, only distant roots blend into the background or have low contrast. However, in murky waters, even nearby roots can blend in with their surroundings.
2023-09-22 10:00:00
Article from www.sciencenews.org