A Slug's Life

Sea slugs Tritonia diomedea (left) and Hermissenda crassicornis (right) have similar nervous systems. However, when it comes to swimming (shown here) they couldn’t be more different. By comparing and contrasting the neurons responsible for swimming in these molluscs, researchers have identified differences in the cells’ responses to the chemical serotonin, which may contribute to such differences in behavior.

About the Author

Michael W. Richardson

Michael W. Richardson is a writer and editor based in Brooklyn, New York, covering topics ranging from the brain and behavior to the environment.