- #1
- 9,715
- 11,761
far out !
OK .... this is just "What The" weird
- Thread starter davenn
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Weird
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around unusual biological phenomena, particularly focusing on unique organisms such as the Hammerhead Worm and the anchor worm, as well as instances of developmental anomalies in zebrafish and other vertebrates. The scope includes informal observations, anecdotal experiences, and references to scientific literature.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express fascination with the Hammerhead Worm, with one participant humorously renaming it.
- Another participant introduces the anchor worm, describing its relationship to the naval shipworm and its unique dietary habits.
- A participant shares a personal anecdote about a two-headed snake, linking it to broader discussions about developmental anomalies in vertebrates.
- Further elaboration on zebrafish development is provided, noting that head doubling can occur due to developmental perturbations, with references to specific experimental conditions in Xenopus frogs.
- Participants share a mix of personal experiences and scientific observations, contributing to a sense of wonder and curiosity about biological oddities.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally share a sense of intrigue regarding the discussed organisms and phenomena, but there is no consensus on the implications or significance of these observations. The discussion remains exploratory and informal.
Contextual Notes
Some claims rely on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes references to scientific concepts without detailed explanations or validations.
Who May Find This Useful
Readers interested in unusual biological phenomena, developmental biology, or personal anecdotes related to science may find this discussion engaging.
- #2
Borek
Mentor
- 29,180
- 4,612
- #3
- 9,715
- 11,761
Borek said:
cool !seriously weird huh
- #4
- 20,815
- 28,454
This is the widely unknown anchor worm (ancora navalis). It is a close relative of the more famous naval shipworm. Other than its brother, which usually lives from wooden bodies of ships, and which is by the a way very delicious food in north eastern Brasil, the anchor shipworm is specialized to anchor chains, which might be equally dangerous to the safety of a ship, for it can cause the anchor to drop off at any time of the journey. The anchor shipworm cannot be eaten, due to his iron based diet. However there are indigenous people, who use it for a kind of tea for pregnant women.
- #5
- 19,879
- 10,886
I renamed it the Hammerhead Worm!
edit: I just read the wiki lol
edit: I just read the wiki lol
- #6
Kevin McHugh
- 318
- 165
When I was a kid in grade school, our teacher brought in a two headed snake her son bred. It was cool as heck.
- #7
- 19,378
- 15,614
Indeed.davenn said:
- #8
BillTre
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 2,752
- 12,020
Kevin McHugh said:
While working in zebrafish labs for many years, it was not uncommon to find embryos (among the hundreds of thousands we looked at) with various extents of head doubling. They don't usually survive too long after embryogenesis.
The body plan of zebrafish (and all vertebrates develops from the head (first) to the tail (last). Frequently perturbations of development can cause development to start in two neighboring places (in Xenopus frogs, this can be done by rolling the developing embryo in a certain way at a certain time in development), forming two heads, and then merge together further down the body axis, resulting in a single body with two heads.
Here are some pictures of doubled zebrafish heads as well as some other vertebrates.
Last edited:
- #9
strangerep
Science Advisor
- 3,766
- 2,214
This is why we have laws against incest.Kevin McHugh said:
Similar threads
- · Replies 19 ·
- · Replies 6 ·
High School
Is superconductivity something usual or weird?
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 20 ·
- · Replies 17 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 10 ·
Undergrad
Is quantum weirdness really weird?
- · Replies 244 ·