Deep-Sea Acorn Worm is the Only Known Animal With Its Ovaries on the Outside

Posted on March 25, 2012

This deep-sea acorn worm, Allapasus aurantiacus, is the only known creature with its ovaries on the outside of its body. It was observed by the remotely operated vehicle Tiburon drifting in a deep-sea current just inches off the sea floor at 3000 meters beneath the surface. The acorn worms have two lateral wings attached to either side of their trunk. There are numerous ovaries located in the lateral wings. The researchers say, "Such externalized ovaries are unprecedented in any animal, and nothing is yet known of their role in the reproductive biology."

Take a look:

Zoologger has more about the bizarre acorn worm here. The research was published here in the Journal of Morphology.

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