Violet “socks” on the seabed help in uncovering the mysteries of evolution – SOUTH – new public newspaper

«Purple socks”, scattered on the seabed, was recently named the most ancient form of life on Earth. They are very concerned about for a long time researchers. Recently, scientists have stated that due to these worms will be to better understand the evolution. View xenoturbella, recall, 60 years ago off the coast of Sweden the country was found.

The debate among scientists about these things all the last 60 years. Researchers think on many issues. For a long time they were determined – to a group of creatures found include worms. After all, they are significantly different from all earthly creatures. In Xenoturbella no anus, eyes and even the brain. There are only with the mouth closed and the rectum. That is, being first is, and then through the same hole in his face excrement.

In 2014, scientists were able to examine in more detail these worms, and it happened only due to the fact that they had found 4 more of his varieties. Violet “socks” found even in the Pacific Ocean. They were in the deep canyon in the Monterey Bay coast of California. Then, DNA analysis has helped carry them to a group of mollusks. Another discovery – that these worms were among the first in the world separated from the evolutionary tree. It has made it clear it is their simple structure

Interestingly, scientists have found out later -. Xenoturbella similarity with clams can be attributed to their identity in the food. Being create the illusion that they are molluscs only through diet. It is this feature of the scientists sent the wrong way. Soon, however, remotely-operated vehicles have helped to solve this. They took this view in their natural habitat. Then there was found another of their “cousin» – Xenoturbella monstrosa, it’s the same kind, but much bigger

One of the study authors, said: “An important branch of the evolutionary beings on Earth through these beings replenished immediately to the new species. “. However, all the secrets of these worms was not disclosed. For example, scientists have not understood – how they eat. Firstly, they have never caught for food consumption, and secondly, even when the researchers found in their DNA shellfish innards have appeared empty – “have Xenoturbella no teeth, sucking proboscis as they eat, we have not found “said leader of the study. Now scientists hope the next expedition. During them, they even think to solve even more puzzles.