We finally have an idea of how these fish evolved to blast bugs in the air.
. Despite their popularity—the fish are common in zoos and kept as pets—relatively little has been studied about the evolution of these aquatic sharpshooters.on Monday, ichthyologists and other team members at the University of Kansas investigated the archerfish, from the origin of the various species to the divergence of the family of fish. For years, the ichthyology community had debated what counts as part of the archerfish family.
“We looked at how these fishes are related and asked, ‘How did this amazing mechanism of allowing them to actually be able to spit come to evolve?”’ said lead author Matthew Girard in a press release. “We had some ideas of what other kinds of fishes they were related to, but for the first time we’ve generated a hypothesis of how all these species of archerfish are related to each other.”
Tongue and mouth bony structures in the archerfish’s closest relative, beachsalmon , the Primitive archerfish and other archerfishes The researchers created something similar to a family tree, using software to track molecular genetic data and fish tissue structure through time. By doing so, researchers were able to trace the evolution of the fish’s ability to jettison water. The results showed that all species of archerfish have grooves on the roof of their mouths as well as enlarged dental plates. These tube-like features, similar to a water gun’s barrel, enable the fish to squirt water at flying targets.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man suspected in armed robbery fatally shot by Tucson policeThe 32-year-old suspect reportedly robbed a Best Buy and shot at officers and a bystander before he was shot and killed by Tucson police.
Read more »
Shoreline to explore 'natural evolution' to single-family zoningShoreline City Council approved an amendment this week to look into allowing duplexes and triplexes in areas zoned for single-family homes.
Read more »
Historic sweet shop, famed for its chocolate Easter bunnies, is a family affairThe Northport Sweet Shop has been on Main Street in this quaint fishing village on Long Island's North Shore since 1929, cradled in the caring hands of the Panarites family.
Read more »
Historic sweet shop, famed for its chocolate Easter bunnies, is a family affairThe Northport Sweet Shop has been on Main Street in this quaint fishing village on Long Island's North Shore since 1929, cradled in the caring hands of the Panarites family.
Read more »
Two Family Members Killed, Third Shot During Home Invasion in ArlingtonTwo family members are dead and a third is hospitalized after someone entered their Southwest Arlington home and opened fire just after midnight Monday.
Read more »
Britney Spears in 'full control' and will have her 'baby on her terms'Following pop icon Britney Spears announcing she expecting her third child on Monday night, sources close to the star have revealed how the pregnancy is yet another win against her toxic family
Read more »