A network of international research, called the
Daphnia Genomics Consortium has completed the first genome sequence of a crustacean. This crustacean,
Dapnia pulex, is a very common water flea, found in many parts of the world. For example, in Sweden, it is found in freshwater lakes and in coastal waters. The major discovery in this genome sequence is the presence of
neurotrophins in the
Daphnia genome. These neurotrophins were only thought to be present in vertebrates, and were found to have a part in the development of the nervous system, learning, and memory. Its is know that the neurotrophins and their receptors in mammals are effected by toxins and oxygen deficiency, so it is a concern that the same may be true of the neurotrophins of crustaceans. With the rate of pollution and acidification and climate change, the sensitivity of the crustacean's neurotrophins may effect the crustacean's behavior.
This discovery is interesting, because it is easy for people to underestimate animals, and now it may be proven that they are more advanced than we thought. Also, the possibility of disrupting the ecological balance of the oceans should make us more aware of our negative impact.
Daphnia pulex 
Neurotrophin 
Neurotrophin 
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