This is the Japanese marine worm, scientifically known as Megasyllis nipponica. It has one of the most unusual reproductive methods in the world, developing a separate part to detach and go on its “mission”…
This species can create a separate reproductive part.
The Japanese marine worm develops a “mini version” at its tail, which then detaches and swims off to find a similar mini version of a worm of the opposite sex to mate and reproduce. For the next reproduction, the Japanese marine worm will develop another mini version.
According to scientists, this species can create its own reproductive part called a stolon. During its growth, the worm develops a stolon parallel at its tail. When fully mature, the stolon is filled with gametes (eggs or sperm) and undergoes a process called stolonization before detaching from the worm’s body.
The Japanese marine worm has one of the most unusual reproductive methods in the world.
At this stage, it has fully developed stiff bristles for swimming and even has eyes and antennae. After detaching, the stolon swims off in search of a mate of the opposite sex to release its gametes. Once this is done, it completes its mission. The original worm continues to live and will grow a new stolon, repeating a similar process.
Evolutionary biologists believe that the Japanese marine worm developed this reproductive ability to allow the main body to avoid danger while the stolon swims outside, taking on the risky task of searching for a mate.
According to the latest studies, gene expression in the head and tail is completely different, and the worm can regenerate this part throughout its life cycle.
