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> All such groups of sessile filtering animals have greatly simplified bodies and very reduced nervous systems. Yes, as the joke goes, as the larva of an anemo
by Phemist 3y ago
> All such groups of sessile filtering animals have greatly simplified bodies and very reduced nervous systems.
Yes, as the joke goes, as the larva of an anemone settles into its permanent feeding spot it will consume its own brain, much like the professor that has finally achieved tenure.
- beedeebeedee 3y agoI thought it was tunicates (sea squirts) because they are closely related to vertebrates and start off free swimming with a notochord. (I also heard the joke as being about Americans- they are curious and thoughtful while young, but then settle down, become couch potatoes in front of the tv and digest their own brains). Either way, it is a cute joke and interesting marine biology.
- Phemist 3y ago> tunicates (sea squirts) Could actually be.., perhaps I am miss-remembering :)
- Tagbert 3y agoTunicate is more likely. the Anemone larva result tiny medusa and both larva and adults have nerve networks. Tunicates and Echinoderms seem to have evolved from bilateral ancestors like the ancestors of chordates.