How Female Anglerfish Evolved to Have It All
The New York Times • • science
Key Points:
- Biologist Alex Maile was intrigued by the diverse lures of anglerfish while studying specimens at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
- Anglerfish, with over 400 species, have evolved various specialized dorsal fin lures that can glow, twitch, or emit chemicals to attract prey.
- Maile and collaborator Matthew Davis analyzed over 100 anglerfish species using physical and genetic data to construct a detailed family tree.
- Their research, published in Ichthyology and Herpetology, suggests that the diversity in anglerfish lures may have evolved not only to attract prey but also to help females attract mates.
