Differences in chemosensory response between eyed and eyeless Astyanax mexicanus of the Rio Subterraneo cave.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In blind cave-dwelling populations of Astyanax mexicanus, several morphological and behavioral shifts occurred during evolution in caves characterized by total and permanent darkness. Previous studies have shown that sensory systems such as the lateral line (mechanosensory) and taste buds (chemosensory) are modified in cavefish. It has long been hypothesized that another chemosensory modality, the olfactory system, might have evolved as well to provide an additional mechanism for food-searching in troglomorphic Astyanax populations.

Findings

During a March 2013 cave expedition to the Sierra de El Abra region of San Luís Potosi, Mexico, we tested chemosensory capabilities of the Astyanax mexicanus of the Rio Subterráneo cave. This cave hosts a hybrid population pre

SUBMITTER: Bibliowicz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3766224 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature