Scientists were able to uncover mysteries of the cuttlefish brain that shed light on how the animal has the unique ability to camouflage itself. SciTechDaily reports that, in order to do so, these neuroscientists came up with the first cuttlefish in-depth brain map that covers its network of neurons and brain structure.
Science of Camouflaging
According to National Geographic, camouflage is a particular defense tactic or mechanism that organisms incorporate in order to hide their outer appearance.
This mechanism usually depends on various factors. Physical qualities play particularly vital roles. For instance, furry creatures have different techniques of camouflaging compared to animals with scales and feathers.
National Geographic also reports that the qualities or behaviors of the animals' predators also influence this camouflaging ability. If a species' predator is color-blind, for instance, the prey may need to match its surroundings in terms of color.
While there are many animals known to possess such capacities, cuttlefish, specifically, are known for their camouflaging abilities to the point where they could easily be considered chameleons of the sea. According to Earth, these fish use their brains to manage the chromatophores, which are unique cells that cover the surface of their body.
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Cuttlefish Camouflage Mysteries
Dr. Wen-Sung Chung from the Marshall Lab of Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), says that most understanding pertaining to the cuttlefish brain has been grounded on one species, which is the nocturnal European common cuttlefish. Dr. Chung, who also led the recent study, says that the researchers wanted to bridge this gap by studying particular cuttlefish that have heightened activity during the day. They also aimed to compare it with other species situated within the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean areas.
Their study was included in the iScience publication.
The team from QBI made use of MRI and gross anatomy to track the changes in learning and visual brain regions. They also compared their findings with those of different species of cuttlefish in order to come up with an in-depth map of brain connectivity.
Dr. Chung notes how they discovered a network of neurons that involved the control of body patterns and chemosensory operations. This enables use when the cuttlefish forages and performs camouflage.
Phys reports that the brain map can also aid in knowing more about the cuttlefish brain's evolutionary pathways. This could, later on, shed light on human brain evolution.
Dr. Chung mentions how the study helps advance understanding regarding the brain of cuttlefish species and even other creatures, such as squids and octopuses. It proposes how brain structures may be utilized for looking into cephalopods' history of evolution. Moreover, by looking into the neuron networks and brain structures of different animals, insight regarding the forces that impacted human brain shape may surface.
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