Cichild fish embryo. (IMAGE)
Caption
In this cichlid embryo about two days after fertilisation, basic outlines of major structures like the brain and eyes are already visible. The team studies the cells in pink, from a group called the 'neural crest', which move throughout the embryo and later develop into a wide range of adult features including skin pigment patterns and facial structures.
Since these traits vary greatly between cichlid species, studying how the neural crest works helps the team understand the origins of the species' incredible diversity.
Credit
Dr Aleksandra Marconi.
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