Today I am going to tell you interesting, sometimes surprising and sometimes funny, information about brains of 4 creatures. Those who were attentive at biology classes might know this, but, in any case, the data is not ordinary and for sure catchy.

SPIDERS

The first unusual candidate is a spider. It is amazing that actually the size of the spiders’ brain is the same for all spiders, but because the size of spiders differs from one species to another one, for some of them the skull is not enough to keep the brain. That is why, brainy structure finds some other cavities in the body to fill. So brain cells pack themselves further than the head can be found even in spiders’ legs!

The smaller the spider, the more full its body is with central nervous system and brain cells can reach the quantity of up to 80% of the body, 25% of which may be located in the legs. Isn’t it fantastic?

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WOODPECKER

When I imagined earlier what happened in a woodpecker’s head when it pecked a tree, I became confused how it could live this lifestyle without damaging the brain. Now I have found out how. The woodpecker's brain possesses a special structure: the skull is filled with small light bones (trabeculae), forming protection like a sponge. Such super organization prevents woodpeckers from brain concussion.

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LEECH

I do not think a lot of people are fond of how leeches look like, but I am sure almost everybody is aware what use they bring in cure of different diseases. What your reaction would be if I told you that these primitively looking creatures had 32 brains? 32!

Leeches are composed of segments (102 external and 32 internal), each of them has its own brain called ganglias. Ganglias are connected with each other due to neurons. On one hand, because of direct connection all the ganglias together comprise one brain, but on the other hand, every ganglia is responsible for its segment, moreover, they function independently, so technically there are 32 brains.

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SEA SQUIRTS

Scientists say that sea squirts belong to hermaphrodites, meaning that male and female funcions are collected in one creature at once. Their reproduction process looks the following: they throw simultaneously eggs and sperm into the water. Later they become larvae swimming around freely. Because of particular feeding process they attach themselves to some places and the main thing that this attachment occurs with the head.

In course of transformation the sea creatures start eating their brain for the reason that they do not need it any more.

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Well, every time I deepen into the nature and creatures living on our planet I become fascinated by their peculiarities and odd characteristics. I hope you liked this short post on brain of spiders, woodpeckers, leeches and sea squirts. Next time I will have not less curious information!

Sources: 1, 2