Mol Ecol April 2019 PMID 30767303

Phototactic tails: Evolution and molecular basis of a novel sensory trait in sea snakes.

Jenna M Crowe-Riddell, Bruno F Simões, Julian C Partridge, David M Hunt, Steven Delean, Julian G Schwerdt, James Breen, Alastair Ludington, David J Gower, Kate L Sanders

Download social card

Mentions

108

Peak: 39 in Feb 2019

across 5 sources since Feb 2019

Extended reach

1,150,801

potential audience

Total likes

14,311

Video views

654,692

Mentions per month

Feb 2019 – Mar 2022

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter90 posts
News9 articles
Blogs5 articles
YouTube2 videos
Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions include various references to the findings, such as one post noting that sea snakes can 'see' light on their tails and another emphasizing that these adaptations are crucial for predator evasion. The tone of excitement is evident in the expressions of admiration for the research, conveyed through phrases like 'I Love Science,' which contributes to an overall enthusiastic sentiment toward the publication's impact on understanding these marine reptiles.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions express support for the findings regarding sea snakes' phototactic abilities.

InterestHigh interest

The posts reflect high curiosity about the unique adaptations and evolutionary implications discussed in the article.

EngagementModerate engagement

While a good number of users engage with the topic, many simply reference content without in-depth analysis.

ImpactHigh impact

Several posts highlight the significance of the research, suggesting it adds important knowledge to the field of sensory biology and adaptation.

Abstract in brief

Researchers studied tail phototaxis in sea snakes, which is a sensory trait where they react to light on their tails by hiding to avoid predators.
They found tail withdrawal behavior in several sea snake species and determined that their tail photoreceptors are most sensitive to blue and green light.
The research suggests that phototaxis likely evolved in a common ancestor of some Aipysurus species and points to a nonvisual photoreceptor mechanism, with potential gene targets identified for future research.

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Understanding Sea Snake Tail Phototaxis in Evolutionary Contexts

A lot of people are afraid of snakes, and for good reason. This video explores the evolution and molecular basis of tail phototaxis in sea snakes, a unique sensory trait that helps them evade predators. Discover how…

SciShow · Aug 25, 2019 654,671 views

Phototaxis in Sea Snakes: Evolution and Sensory Mechanisms

Researchers have discovered light sensing abilities in the tails of sea snakes. This adaptation allows them to react to light and avoid predators. The study explores the evolution of this trait and identifies potential…

Oceanbites · Aug 20, 2019 21 views

Chris Anderson

@c_n_anderson · X

RT @je_light: Olive Sea Snakes are highly adapted to marine environments, moving through coral reefs using a paddle-like tail that has spec…

Mar 24, 2022 · 2 shares · 2,623 followers View post →

March Mammal Madness

@MMMletsgo · X

RT @je_light: Olive Sea Snakes are highly adapted to marine environments, moving through coral reefs using a paddle-like tail that has spec…

Mar 24, 2022 · 2 shares · 31,337 followers View post →

Jessica Light

@je_light · X

Mar 24, 2022 · 18 likes · 2 shares · 3,199 followers View post →

Jeet Sukumaran

@jeetsukumaran · X

RT @imperial_pigeon: @ambikamath Elongated ribs of gliding lizards. & Light sensing abilities of sea snake tails, . https://t.co/GRmb0cOd33

Mar 6, 2022 · 1 share · 1,681 followers View post →

Rachakonda Sreekar

@imperial_pigeon · X

@ambikamath Elongated ribs of gliding lizards. & Light sensing abilities of sea snake tails, . https://t.co/GRmb0cOd33

Mar 6, 2022 · 4 likes · 1 share · 889 followers View post →

Eliza Körmendi

@ElizaKormendi · X

Aug 24, 2021 · 153 followers View post →

Daniel Pochetti

@DaniPochetti · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/1wNAeo8wZF via @YouTube #Science #snakes

Jul 1, 2021 · 1,096 followers View post →

Tanja

@TalkstoFish · X

@WhySharksMatter Sea snakes. Most have paddle-like tails & are fully aquatic only coming up to breathe air (like whales). And some might have PHOTOTACTIC TAILS

Nov 16, 2020 · 2 likes · 376 followers View post →

iscab.saptocondro

@saptocondro · X

Snakes, https://t.co/qeLDQm5uQc Sublime https://t.co/7TVTly8GEk

Jun 1, 2020 · 570 followers View post →

smekkens

@pandemic_de · X

sneks https://t.co/bSpYoIKw4A

Apr 20, 2020 · 1 like · 1,142 followers View post →

gender moroha mode

@50TurnParty · X

https://t.co/mMfWut08kS oh they did a video on @mercenarymimic

Feb 6, 2020 · 1 like · 287 followers View post →

Victor Rush

@RushVicrush · X

Sometimes you come across papers that make you want to shout I Love Science https://t.co/DgXaTzokdo

Oct 4, 2019 · 222 followers View post →

Christie Wilcox

@NerdyChristie · X

RT @MirjamJG: Ok, I have to admit... My snake impulse is to be a little freaked out. But writing this script made me really appreciate the…

Aug 29, 2019 · 1 share · 17,914 followers View post →

Mirjam Guesgen

@MirjamJG · X

Ok, I have to admit... My snake impulse is to be a little freaked out. But writing this script made me really appreciate the diversity and amazing abilities of these slithering creatures. https://t.co/hM2BGZuhea

Aug 29, 2019 · 1 share · 375 followers View post →

Setsu  setsuryuu.bsky.social

@Setsuryuu · X

@watarufie vi isso por acaso hj xD https://t.co/2j0X3QwMAE

Aug 28, 2019 · 302 followers View post →

Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci

@OrdoFibonacci · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/a1MyixX0PA via @YouTube

Aug 27, 2019 · 2,563 followers View post →

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ˢᵘˢᶦ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

@susialika5 · X

RT @CharlesIkenna23: From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/Np8CR9hRob via @YouTube

Aug 27, 2019 · 1 share · 30,044 followers View post →

Hogan

@Hogan698 · X

https://t.co/o75UMEj8kt

Aug 27, 2019 · 1 like · 6,921 followers View post →

Legacy of Lore

@legacy_lore · X

RT @SciShow: Snakes: More than just danger noodles

Aug 27, 2019 · 7 shares · 52 followers View post →

William Wallace

@bill14051 · X

RT @SciShow: Snakes: More than just danger noodles

Aug 26, 2019 · 7 shares · 282 followers View post →

Praxis Science Outreach

@PraxisMedHat · X

RT @GaryM: If you love snake diversity - From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime #Snakes and their adaptations https://t.co/P7m939EwRp via…

Aug 26, 2019 · 1 share · 2,557 followers View post →

✨

@maverickvogt · X

RT @SciShow: Snakes: More than just danger noodles

Aug 26, 2019 · 7 shares · 197 followers View post →

John M.

@JohnMolsonEX · X

RT @SciShow: Snakes: More than just danger noodles

Aug 26, 2019 · 7 shares · 345 followers View post →

SciShow

@SciShow · X

Snakes: More than just danger noodles

Aug 26, 2019 · 30 likes · 7 shares · 115,750 followers View post →

Luca

@SorrisoCattivo · X

https://t.co/Olc3jOMkeb

Aug 26, 2019 · 142 followers View post →

Rev. Lunar @lunar@mas.to

@rev_lunar · X

Aug 26, 2019 · 98 followers View post →

Charles Ikenna

@CharlesIkenna23 · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/Np8CR9hRob via @YouTube

Aug 26, 2019 · 2 likes · 1 share · 3,225 followers View post →

leonmsampaio.bsky.social

@leonmsampaio · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/1GP5q9BFDV

Aug 26, 2019 · 243 followers View post →

Environment Institute - University of Adelaide

@environmentinst · X

RT @NicholasWuNZ: 6 sublime snakes including @jcroweriddell’s research on photoreceptors in sea snakes tail https://t.co/BkRWDS4LH6 @SciSh…

Aug 26, 2019 · 1 share · 4,119 followers View post →

ucmtgktp

@ucmtgktp · X

Watch “From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes” on YouTube https://t.co/OJ8lAkX14u https://t.co/ucJBli1fSL

Aug 25, 2019 · 7 followers View post →

Ringmaster

@BrianBurwell · X

More reasons to fear death noodles!

Aug 25, 2019 · 916 followers View post →

Rex's Herpetology Facts

@RecklessRexpert · X

RT @SophiaElfKitten: From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/6IjxCW0ry1 via @YouTube @RecklessRexpert

Aug 25, 2019 · 1 share · 396 followers View post →

Nicholas Wu

@NicholasWuNZ · X

6 sublime snakes including @jcroweriddell’s research on photoreceptors in sea snakes tail https://t.co/BkRWDS4LH6 @SciShow

Aug 25, 2019 · 4 likes · 1 share · 3,156 followers View post →

MentalChillness

@MentalChillin · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/ga9lSibeAw via @YouTube

Aug 25, 2019 · 2,094 followers View post →

Charlie Kruse

@TheCharlieKruse · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/nkrTsSreq0 via @YouTube

Aug 25, 2019 · 1 like · 6,164 followers View post →

Sophia the Tiny Kitten Human

@SophiaElfKitten · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/6IjxCW0ry1 via @YouTube. @SnakeDiscovery

Aug 25, 2019 · 1 like · 9 followers View post →

Sophia the Tiny Kitten Human

@SophiaElfKitten · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/6IjxCW0ry1 via @YouTube @RecklessRexpert

Aug 25, 2019 · 3 likes · 1 share · 9 followers View post →

e-csce

@e_csce · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes @ https://t.co/ImgfFh5pQU https://t.co/3i4zoN3Dxh

Aug 25, 2019 · 118 followers View post →

Johannes Lüke

@JohannesSLueke · X

New video by SciShow: From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/0l92pS3Eo3

Aug 25, 2019 · 83 followers View post →

Kitty

@kittybravofan · X

From Hognoses to Spider Tails: 6 Sublime Snakes https://t.co/FyZ7z8tt0z via @YouTube

Aug 25, 2019 · 722 followers View post →

Molecular Ecology

@molecology · X

Did you know sea snakes withdraw their tails in response to light? Crowe-Riddell et al. use behavioral experiments and transcriptomics to identify a set of candidate genes related to this curious behavior. Read an exclusive interview with the authors: https://t.co/0m9UMcKAop https://t.co/UUE6JimQ5F

May 29, 2019 · 5 likes · 4 shares · 7,297 followers View post →

Alice Jones

@Alice_R_Jones · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Did you know sea snakes can 'see' light on their tail!?

May 28, 2019 · 3 shares · 2,240 followers View post →

Dr Michelle Coulson

@MichelleCouls18 · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Did you know sea snakes can 'see' light on their tail!?

May 28, 2019 · 3 shares · 171 followers View post →

Erinn Fagan-Jeffries

@Erinn_FJ · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Did you know sea snakes can 'see' light on their tail!?

May 28, 2019 · 3 shares · 1,300 followers View post →

Jenna

@jcroweriddell · X

Did you know sea snakes can 'see' light on their tail!?

May 28, 2019 · 7 likes · 3 shares · 1,086 followers View post →

@FishJournals

@FishJournals · X

Phototactic tails: Evolution and molecular basis of a novel sensory trait in sea snakes Molecular Ecology https://t.co/6FKNNclkL8 https://t.co/eW3JiLrBJz

May 18, 2019 · 9,321 followers View post →

Jonathan Ablett

@JonathanAblett · X

RT @NHM_Science: Phototactic tails: Evolution and molecular basis of a novel sensory trait in sea snakes - David Gower @NHM_London in Molec…

Apr 24, 2019 · 1 share · 810 followers View post →

Science at the Natural History Museum

@NHM_Science · X

Phototactic tails: Evolution and molecular basis of a novel sensory trait in sea snakes - David Gower @NHM_London in Molecular Ecology https://t.co/ULGvIbabw9

Apr 24, 2019 · 5 likes · 1 share · 10,087 followers View post →

ASIH

@IchsAndHerps · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Olive #seasnakes ‘see’ light on their tails

Mar 12, 2019 · 6 shares · 8,476 followers View post →

Science news

@UpdateonScience · X

https://t.co/yWQaluSEKx Scientists find 3 species of sea snakes with light sensitive tail skins - these Australian species are the only reptiles on Earth with light sensitive skin - thought to be an adaptation which ensures their tails are safely tucked in when hiding under cov… https://t.co/KReWOGAA3E

Mar 3, 2019 · 1,883 followers View post →

Ken Gusler

@kgusler · X

Phototactic tails: Evolution and molecular basis of a novel sensory trait in sea snakes - Crowe‐Riddell - https://t.co/O4rKZRp9Vs

Mar 3, 2019 · 20,039 followers View post →

原　拓史

@haltaq · X

RT @mikebok: Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 20, 2019 · 10 shares · 3,480 followers View post →

John (Jack) Jellies

@JackJellies · X

RT @mikebok: Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 20, 2019 · 10 shares · 31 followers View post →

Erinn Fagan-Jeffries

@Erinn_FJ · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Olive #seasnakes ‘see’ light on their tails

Feb 20, 2019 · 6 shares · 1,300 followers View post →

RSSA

@RoyalSocSA · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Olive #seasnakes ‘see’ light on their tails

Feb 20, 2019 · 6 shares · 465 followers View post →

ACIMAR

@AcimarColombia · X

RT @mikebok: Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 19, 2019 · 10 shares · 242 followers View post →

Dr. Alice Chou

@overbrainbows · X

RT @mikebok: Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 19, 2019 · 10 shares · 708 followers View post →

Hernando Campos C.

@nhc4201 · X

RT @mikebok: Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 19, 2019 · 10 shares · 245 followers View post →

Gopal Murali

@GopalMurali1 · X

RT @mikebok: Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 19, 2019 · 10 shares · 906 followers View post →

Esteban Fernandez-Juricic

@EstebanFerJur · X

RT @mikebok: Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 19, 2019 · 10 shares · 927 followers View post →

Chiara Benvenuto

@cbenvenuto73 · X

RT @mikebok: Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 19, 2019 · 10 shares · 2,398 followers View post →

Michael Bok

@mikebok · X

Some sea snakes have a melanopsin-based photoreceptor in their tails. https://t.co/YWvwh395Rs https://t.co/duvOUVrRmY

Feb 19, 2019 · 8 likes · 10 shares · 1,621 followers View post →

Darren Naish

@TetZoo · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Olive #seasnakes ‘see’ light on their tails

Feb 18, 2019 · 6 shares · 52,278 followers View post →

UEAvertebrates

@UEAvertebrates · X

Phototactic tails: Evolution and molecular basis of a novel sensory trait in sea snakes https://t.co/42REQ7OY9G

Feb 18, 2019 · 35 followers View post →

James Nankivell

@NankivellJames · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Olive #seasnakes ‘see’ light on their tails

Feb 18, 2019 · 6 shares · 588 followers View post →

Dr David Hocking

@DPHocking · X

RT @jcroweriddell: Olive #seasnakes ‘see’ light on their tails

Feb 18, 2019 · 6 shares · 1,485 followers View post →

Jenna

@jcroweriddell · X

Olive #seasnakes ‘see’ light on their tails

Feb 18, 2019 · 17 likes · 6 shares · 1,086 followers View post →

Juan Batalla

@sietebatalla · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 16, 2019 · 17 shares · 2,673 followers View post →

Sandra Vidal

@SandraVidalGo · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 16, 2019 · 17 shares · 117 followers View post →

やもり

@yamori_ju · X

RT @pantheo27705718: 豪のウミヘビ、Aipysurus属の3種。尾に青～緑の光を感じる感覚をもつ。長い尾を物陰に隠し、捕食者から逃れるため、同属の祖先で獲得と https://t.co/Q0yxtHo8u4 論文 https://t.co/QhB7DNlC…

Feb 16, 2019 · 7 shares · 383 followers View post →

Emilio Molina

@ej_molina_c · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 16, 2019 · 17 shares · 5,561 followers View post →

鳥馬

@gekkou583 · X

Feb 16, 2019 · 7 shares · 1,424 followers View post →

Tksmd

@tksmdtk · X

Feb 15, 2019 · 7 shares · 117 followers View post →

鮫肌実@緊急事態条項反対&マスコミはフローレンスのことについて報道しろ

@GhgkW · X

Feb 15, 2019 · 7 shares · 522 followers View post →

hiropon

@puyamaster · X

Feb 15, 2019 · 7 shares · 1,040 followers View post →

赤点急降下

@twrdtw · X

Feb 15, 2019 · 7 shares · 1,257 followers View post →

ponerororororchis

@PeloricFlower · X

Feb 15, 2019 · 7 shares · 268 followers View post →

始祖鳥堂まふ（推し活用アカウント）

@M_A_F_ · X

Feb 15, 2019 · 7 shares · 2,070 followers View post →

パンテオン（半遁モード）

@pantheo27705718 · X

Feb 15, 2019 · 16 likes · 7 shares · 12,838 followers View post →

Francisco Català

@Paco_Catala · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 1,214 followers View post →

djluqui

@djluqui1 · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 30 followers View post →

Susana

@susanadv17 · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 681 followers View post →

Angel Cyborg

@Angel_CIBORG · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 841 followers View post →

El Pulgar del Panda (Jorge Garrido-Bautista)

@Pulgar_Panda · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 19,462 followers View post →

Eric HG 亞

@hg_eric · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 429 followers View post →

Emi

@ebiliouski · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 239 followers View post →

Kuroko29

@Kuroko292 · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 359 followers View post →

Alex Hall

@allopatry · X

https://t.co/4MGWjzOw89 https://t.co/In43JoUf18

Feb 15, 2019 · 1 like · 726 followers View post →

Hablando de Ciencia

@HdCiencia · X

RT @BioTay: Parece ser que en Australia hay 6 especies de serpiente marina capaces de percibir la luz con el extremo final de su cuerpo. Un…

Feb 15, 2019 · 17 shares · 49,704 followers View post →

Tay

@BioTay · X

Feb 15, 2019 · 34 likes · 17 shares · 20,300 followers View post →

Phototactic tails: Evolution and molecular basis of a novel sensory trait in sea snakes.

Mentions per month

Where it's discussed

What people are saying

Abstract in brief

Top posts

All mentions

Understanding Sea Snake Tail Phototaxis in Evolutionary Contexts

Phototaxis in Sea Snakes: Evolution and Sensory Mechanisms