The life-cycle of the sea squirt is unique and instructive. As a free-swimming larva it has a three-hundred cell nervous system with sensors, a spinal cord, and an organ of balance which helps it find a suitable location for reproduction. Upon finding such a location, it lodges itself into the sand and proceeds to most… Continue reading In the beginning…
Tag: Technology
Mind Through Matter
Cognition - the ability to detect, record, and assimilate salient features of environments - is a fundamental feature of all biological agents. It enables organisms to move from a perpetually reactive state to one that is predictive, it decreases surprise and novelty, and its products reduce the demands of physiological and psychological homeostasis. Utilizing the… Continue reading Mind Through Matter
Sand Castles
Termites build mounds, beavers construct dams, bees assemble hives, and spiders weave webs. The drive to build is ubiquitous in the natural world and is an evolved strategy to cope with uncertain, complex, and dangerous habitats. This force, known as niche construction, reduces the environment to manageable and predictable units, shields organisms from known risks,… Continue reading Sand Castles
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