Researchers at the University of Cincinnati, with support from the US National Science Foundation, studied the development of these additional taste buds in cavefish. The blind cavefish, or Astyanax mexicanus, originated from surface-dwelling fish in northeastern Mexico. While surface fish have large eyes, cavefish have lost their vision and pigmentation, becoming almost translucent. Surprisingly, these cavefish have acquired many taste buds not only in the mouth, but also in the head and jaw.
The researchers, led by biologist Joshua Gross, tracked the development of these additional taste buds and found that while cavefish and their surface-dwelling cousins initially have the same number of taste buds, cavefish develop additional taste buds on their heads and jaws starting at about 18 months of age. The increase in taste bud numbers continues as the fish age, potentially increasing their ability to detect food in pitch darkness.
Despite its complexity, the scientists found that this trait is controlled by just two genomic regions. Future studies will elucidate the functional and adaptive significance of this sophisticated taste system.
Source: Ferra
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