Cuuute!! And crafty!

[momsalive1]

Larvae of this sand dollar split to make two smaller larvae when threatened by a predator. The authors think the two new "sand dimes" aren't as likely to be seen by predators, suggesting that this "rapid size reduction" is used "as a defense."

Regular size on left, new and improved size on right...



An article:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13460-creature-clones-itself-to-avoid-becoming-fish-food.html

Comments

[ffiondove.livejournal.com]

Neat trick! isn't nature wonderful?

[momsalive1]

**nods** I've been learning biology for about 40 years and it never fails to amaze me - there is *always* something new, something unexpected, something fabulous - like, say, Sean Bean.

[nutmeg3.livejournal.com]

Oh man, that's so cool!

[momsalive1]

The summary I read with it pointed out that this is a new function for asexual reproduction, which is interesting to think about.