The scent of death? Worms experience altered fertility and lifespan when exposed to dead counterparts

Worms Can Smell Death, and It Strangely Alters Their Fertility and Fitness

Learn how this species of worm detects death, resulting in a range of behavioral and physiological responses.

The scent of death? Worms experience altered fertility and lifespan when exposed to dead counterparts

The mere presence of a dead counterpart elicits strong responses across species. For example, many insects such as bees and ants will instinctively remove dead members from the hive, seemingly to keep the nest clear of any potential pathogens. Research from a team at the University of Michigan describes a similar aversion to decedents among the roundworm C. elegans.

The roundworm C. elegans avoid dead worms using special nerve cells. Sensing death makes them have babies sooner, but shortens their lives.

Worms Can Smell Death, and It Strangely Alters Their Fertility and Fitness – Monkey Viral

Worms are decomposers. Many survive by breaking down dead things — dead bacteria, dead plants, dead animals, dead anything. So, they must be accustomed to the stench of death. Not so, a new study suggests — not when the dead organism is another worm. Published in Current Biology, the study states that C. elegans roundworms […]