Sunday, February 16, 2025

Fish with evolved legs for hunting and tasting buried food

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The northern sea robin uses its legs to find food in the seabed

Anik Grearson

A unique fish living in the Atlantic Ocean, the northern sea robin, has evolved legs that act as a sensory organ to locate prey hidden in the seabed. These fish have three legs on each side of their body that extend from the base of their pectoral fins. These legs were originally part of their fins, known as fin rays.

Researchers from Harvard University, led by Nicholas Bellono, discovered the remarkable hunting abilities of the sea robins during a trip to Massachusetts. The fish were able to uncover food hidden in capsules and sand with their legs. However, upon collecting a different species, the striped sea robin, they found that this species excelled at walking but struggled to locate buried prey.

The unique legs of the sea robin contain sensory papillae, which are similar to taste buds on the human tongue. These legs allow the fish to move independently and quickly, making them proficient at both walking and digging. The evolution of these specialized legs is governed by a regulatory gene called tbx3a.

According to Amy Herbert from Stanford University, the sea robin’s legs are a fascinating example of adapting old tools to create new body parts. This discovery sheds light on the extraordinary abilities of these ocean-dwelling creatures.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Evolution /ˌiː.vəˈluː.ʃən/ (noun): The gradual development of something especially from a simple to a more complex form.
  2. Sensory /ˈsɛn.sə.ri/ (adjective): Relating to sensation or to the senses.
  3. Proficient /prəˈfɪʃ.ənt/ (adjective): Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
  4. Location /loʊˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): A particular place or position.
  5. Capsule /ˈkæp.sjuːl/ (noun): A small container or compartment that encloses something.
  6. Regulatory /ˈrɛɡ.jʊ.lə.tɔːr.i/ (adjective): Relating to rules or regulations governing conduct or operation.

How much do you know?


What is the unique feature of the northern sea robin that helps it locate prey hidden in the seabed?
Three legs on each side of its body
Large eyes
Strong jaws
Long tail fins


What did researchers from Harvard University discover about the hunting abilities of the sea robins?
They struggled to locate buried prey
They excelled at walking on sand
They could uncover food hidden in capsules and sand with their legs
They were unable to move independently


What is the name of the regulatory gene governing the evolution of the sea robin's specialized legs?
Amy Herbert
tbx3a
Nicholas Bellono
Anik Grearson


Who is credited with the discovery of the sea robin's fascinating adaptation of legs?
Nicholas Bellono
Anik Grearson
Amy Herbert
Stanford University


What are the sensory papillae in the sea robin's legs similar to?
Gills of other fish
Human taste buds on the tongue
Octopus tentacles
Bird feathers


What part of the sea robin were the legs originally a part of?
Dorsal fins
Pectoral fins
Tail fins
Anal fins

This question is required

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