paleonet RE: brittlestar eyes

[David Kopaska-Merkel <davidkm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I wonder how similar they are to trilobite eyes. The on-line summary makes 
them sound very similar, but I don't know the details. How fascinating. 
Perhaps other echinoderms have eyes as well.
			David

Andy said:
	Today's issue of Nature reports that a living species of brittlestar
Ophiocoma has thousands of tiny crystal lenses within its skeleton, making
the animal a "living eye." How well brittlestars see is an open question,
but they do respond to light and to predators.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/235/nation/Marine_eye_to_future+.shtml

The challenge is obvious: Who will be the first to trace these lenses back
in time?
		



David C. Kopaska-Merkel
Head, Ground Water Section
Geological Survey of Alabama
420 Hackberry Ln. [no USPS delivery]
PO Box 869999
Tuscaloosa AL 35486-6999
(205) 349-2852
FAX (205) 349-2861
www.gsa.state.al.us

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