How Anglerfishes Become One With Their Partners

Anglerfish are unique creatures with fascinating mating behaviors. In some species, males fuse with females, sharing a circulatory system. This fusion is possible because anglerfish have lost parts of their adaptive immune system, which would typically reject foreign cells. Despite this, they thrive, suggesting strong innate immunity or unknown adaptive mechanisms. Understanding these adaptations could offer insights for human immunology.

What unique feature do some male anglerfish exhibit when they find a mate?

• They sing a mating song.

• They fuse with the female.

• They build a nest.

• They change color.

How do male anglerfish locate their female counterparts in the ocean?

• By observing water currents.

• By listening to sound waves.

• By tracking a specific pheromone.

• By following light signals.

What happens to the male anglerfish after it bites the female?

• It swims away.

• Its mouth dissolves and it fuses with the female.

• It dies immediately.

• It becomes a separate entity.

What is the main reason anglerfish have lost part of their adaptive immune system?

• To facilitate the fusion with their mate.

• To avoid being detected by predators.

• To improve their hunting skills.

• To enhance their swimming speed.

What potential benefit could studying anglerfish immune systems have for humans?

• Creating stronger materials.

• Developing new fishing techniques.

• Improving underwater navigation.

• Helping immunocompromised individuals.