In recent scientific news, researchers have made a remarkable discovery centring around a certain species of brittle stars. Known as Ophiocoma wendtii or the red brittle star, this marine creature is now only the second species, after a certain sea urchin, to demonstrate extraocular vision – the unique ability to see without eyes.
The Concept of Extraocular Vision
Extraocular vision might sound like something out of science fiction, but it is a real phenomenon observed in select marine life forms. This capacity essentially refers to the ability to visually perceive surroundings without the use of traditional vision organs, like eyes. The photoreceptor cells scattered across the body are believed to facilitate this function in both sea urchins and now, the red brittle star.
How the Red Brittle Star Sees
The process by which the red brittle star sees is intriguing. Researchers believe that the light-sensing cells, which coat the entirety of the brittle star’s body, are integral to generating visual stimuli. These cells serve to aid the creature in detecting coarse structures in its immediate environment, such as rocks.
Unique Colour Changing Capabilities
The red brittle star possesses another curious attribute – it possesses the ability to undergo drastic colour changes. When observed during the day, they exhibit a deep red hue, yet transform into a beige shade as night befalls.
| Species | Day Appearance | Night Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Red Brittle Star | Deep red | Beige |
Link Between Colour Change and Extraocular Vision
The research team has postulated that there might be a correlation between the creature’s extraocular vision and its ability to change colour. They’ve observed that the responses witnessed in the brittle star during daytime experiments seemed to vanish when tested at night. This potentially indicates a close relationship between its light-sensing mechanism and its colour-changing faculties.
Despite this discovery standing as significant progress in understanding marine life, the phenomenon of extraocular vision still holds many mysteries and further studies are needed to fully comprehend its intricacies and potential advantages.
