In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found fossil evidence that pushes back the origin of clonal fragmentation in sea stars by over 150 million years. This reproductive strategy, where brittle stars split in half and regrow missing halves to create clones of themselves, has long puzzled researchers.
Brittle stars, along with 50 species of their starfish relatives, have been known to practice clonal fragmentation when mates are scarce. However, the exact timeline of when this unique form of reproduction began has been difficult to pinpoint until now.
The recently discovered fossil from Germany shows a brittle star petrified while regenerating three of its six limbs, providing the first concrete evidence of clonal fragmentation in these creatures. This astonishing find suggests that this reproductive strategy is much older than previously believed.
This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of brittle stars and their relatives, giving scientists a better understanding of their reproductive behaviors. It also opens up new avenues for research into the mechanisms and advantages of clonal fragmentation in these fascinating marine creatures.
Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible discovery and what it means for our understanding of brittle stars and their unique reproductive strategies.
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