Cephalopod and vertebrate neural-systems are often highlighted as a traditional example of
convergent evolution. Their large brains, relative to body size, and complexity of sensory …

Octopuses are mollusks that have evolved intricate neural systems comparable with
vertebrates in terms of cell number, complexity and size. The brain cell types that control …

Neurogenesis is the process underlying the development of the highly evolved central
nervous system (CNS) in vertebrates. Neurogenesis takes place by differentiation of specific …

Orthologous genes involved in the formation of proteins associated with memory acquisition
are similarly expressed in forebrain centres that exhibit similar cognitive properties. These …

Few other invertebrates captivate our attention as cephalopods do. Octopods, cuttlefish, and
squids amaze with their behavior and sophisticated body plans that belong to the most …

Background Mollusks display a striking morphological disparity, including, among others,
worm-like animals (the aplacophorans), snails and slugs, bivalves, and cephalopods. This …

Hox genes are key developmental regulators that are involved in establishing morphological
features during animal ontogeny. They are commonly expressed along the anterior …

Hox genes encode transcription factors that are crucial regulators of various developmental
processes, including patterning of the body axis and differentiation of cells, tissues and …

Molecular developmental studies of various bilaterians have shown that the identity of the
anteroposterior body axis is controlled by Hox and ParaHox genes. Detailed Hox and …

Photoreception is a ubiquitous sensory ability found across the Metazoa, and photoreceptive
organs are intricate and diverse in their structure. Although the morphology of the compound …