A New Path Opens Up in the Study of Marine Evolution and Biodiversity

A newly discovered evolutionary phenomenon opens up a new path in the study of marine evolution and biodiversity. New UCLA research indicates that entirely new species of reef-dwelling marine snails and nudibranchs are emerging because of host-switching. This means that populations of these animals rely on a single species of coral for food and habitat switch to a new coral species, leading to wide genetic and physical differentiation. A phenomenon that has only been seen previously in viruses, insects and several other organisms.

This evolutionary phenomenon has never before been observed among marine life and could help explain why there is such immense biodiversity in the world’s coral reefs as well as the ocean.