Advantages of Living in the Dark: The Multiple Evolution Events of 'Blind' Cavefish
Sunday, January 22, 2012 - 20:00
in Biology & Nature
Blind Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus) have not only lost their sight, but have adapted to perpetual darkness by also losing their pigment (albinism) and having altered sleep patterns. Research led by New York University biologists shows that the cavefish are an example of convergent evolution, with several populations repeatedly, and independently, losing their sight and pigmentation.