Sensory specializations drive octopus and squid behaviour.

ABSTRACT: The evolution of new traits enables expansion into new ecological and behavioural niches. Nonetheless, demonstrated connections between divergence in protein structure, function and lineage-specific behaviours remain rare. Here we show that both octopus and squid use cephalopod-specific chemotactile receptors (CRs) to sense their respective marine environments, but structural adaptations in these receptors support the sensation of specific molecules suited to distinct physiological roles. We find that squid express ancient CRs that more closely resemble related nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, whereas octopuses exhibit a more recent expansion in CRs consistent with their elaborated 'taste by touch' sensory system. Using a combination of genetic profiling, physiology and behavioural analy

SUBMITTER: Kang G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10262778 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature