Sharks' Sixth Sense Related to Human Genes

Sharks' Sixth Sense Related to Human Genes Ker Than
LiveScience Staff Writer
LiveScience.com
Wed Feb 8, 3:00 AM ET



The same genes that give sharks their sixth sense and allow them to detect electrical signals are also responsible for the development of head and facial features in humans, a new study suggests.


The finding supports the idea that the early sea creatures which eventually evolved into humans could also sense electricity before they emerged onto land.


The study, led by Martin Cohn and his lab at the University of Florida, is detailed in the current issue of the journal Evolution & Development.


Sixth sense


Sharks have a network of special cells that can detect electricity, called electroreceptors, in their heads. They use them for hunting and navigation.


This sense is so developed that sharks can find fish hiding under sand by honing in on the weak electrical signals emitted by their twitching muscles.


[link to www.livescience.com]

Last Edited by Phennommennonn on 10/14/2011 11:38 AM