Ctenophores may have evolved the first nervous system — then evolution did it again
Ctenophores: Wonders of Biology
Comb jellies, or ctenophores, split from other animals around 700 million years ago and may be the earliest animal lineage. Recent studies show they have a unique nerve net with fused neurons and no synapses, suggesting nervous systems evolved twice. They also reveal ancient DNA loops, pressure-adapted lipids, and clues to bioluminescence.
I don't think any other animal has a nervous system like that.
- bediger4000
Steven Haddock, a marine biologist who studies ctenophores
Interesting case of nominative determinism.
- Nursie
Mysterious and interesting things, first read about them after going scuba diving and seeing a few of there barely-there diaphanous whisps of creatures, with rippling iridescent spines up their sides.
Amazing to learn they were cilia refracting the light, not chemical bioluminescence, and that despite appearances they are absolutely not jellyfish!