In Tough Times, Even Amoebas Turn to Family

livescience. ^ | By Jeanna Bryner, Senior Writer

[JoeProBono]

When times are tough, many of us turn to family and develop closer ties. So too with amoebas. Some of these single-celled organisms tighten family bonds and cooperate when food is in short supply, new research shows how one amoeba species can distinguish genetically similar individuals, and how an incredibly simple life-form can display some sophisticated, social behaviors.

[JoeProBono]

[JimC214]

I knew all along that Ameobas were commies.

[the invisib1e hand]

...new research shows how one amoeba species can distinguish genetically similar individuals, and how an incredibly simple life-form can display some sophisticated, social behaviors.

In case you needed more proof that you're the product of primordial ooze, this here reporter and "science" give you all you need.

[Larry Lucido]

According to Gary Larson, amoebas join multilevel marketing ventures, because they can divide and then sell franchises to themselves over and over.

[zarodinu]

Biology is endlessly fascinating.

[zarodinu]

Evolution works in mysterious ways. Complexity in itself is not evidence for design.

[Larry Lucido]

[the invisib1e hand]

Evolution works in mysterious ways. Complexity in itself is not evidence for design.

Boy, do I feel enlightened. Just the complex nature of your words proves your freaking point.

[A knight without armor]

I clicked on this article just to read the responses!

[JoeProBono]

“I clicked on this article just to read the responses!”

Me too

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

[isom35]

[JoeProBono]

Amoeba small talk

[autumnraine]

So I can’t call my deadbeat dad ex-husband an amoeba anymore?

Got to find a new organism to define his subhuman level of being.

[JoeProBono]

[Old Professer]

It would seem as though someone is trying to advance the notion that altruism inheres at the deepest level of life...

"Previous research has shown that Dictyostelium cells sometimes cheat and ditch stalk duty. Instead, they turn into spores while reaping the benefits (passing on genes) provided by other stalks.

Chummy cells

Perhaps there's a way to avoid being cheated, the researchers wondered. If being a stalk means one amoeba could ensure the survival and success of genetically similar individuals, evolutionarily, it makes sense to take one for the family.

[JoeProBono]

"Dictyostelium cells sometimes cheat "

[Rockitz]

Somehow an amoeba considered the confines of my digestive tract as home after a swim in Santa Monica Bay about 12 years ago. I haven’t been back in the water since.

[JoeProBono]