3 ms·
> I can't find a good reference for neuron count https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059090 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059090 DNA labelling
by est31 5y ago
> I can't find a good reference for neuron count
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059090 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059090
DNA labelling and analyses of confocal z-series reveal that the brain of Macrobiotus cf. harmsworthi contains ∼200 nuclei that are arranged in a bilaterally symmetric pattern (Figure 2D and Figure S1). Since some of these nuclei are likely to be from non-neuronal cell types, such as glia cells, the tardigrade brain might contain fewer than 200 neurons.
Some more reading:
Martin et al. "The nervous and visual systems of onychophorans and tardigrades: learning about arthropod evolution from their closest relatives": https://bib-pubdb1.desy.de/record/401705/files/Martin_et_al.pdf https://bib-pubdb1.desy.de/record/401705/files/Martin_et_al....
Mayer et al. "Selective neuronal staining in tardigrades and onychophorans provides insights into the evolution of segmental ganglia in panarthropods": https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-13-230 https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-13-230
Also note that tartigrades apparently have a constant number of cells throughout their life, so instead of increasing the cell count, they just increase cell size. The cells can have increased complexity anyways. All it really means that the nervous system has about 200 nuclei. Also don't forget that even single celled organisms are capable of the classical behaviours like hunting for food, running away from predators, forming colonies (e.g. bacteria), etc.
- ad404b8a372f2b9 5y agoI'm pretty sure he was referring to the neuron count of the wasp.
- est31 5y agoOh right, good point.