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Sequencing the genome of Strigamia maritima, a northern
European centipede, the 106-strong team found it has around
15,000 genes - some 7,000 fewer than a human.
The study, published in the journal PLOS Biology, also found
that this centipede appears to have lost the genes encoding any
of the known light receptors used by animals, and all genes
controlling circadian rhythm, or the body clock.
"Strigamia live underground and have no eyes, so it's not
surprising that many of the genes for light receptors are
missing," said Michael Akam, a zoologist at Britain's University
of Cambridge who helped lead the research. "But they behave as
if they are hiding from the light. They must have some
alternative way of detecting when they are exposed."
"It's curious, too, that this creature appears to have no body
clock - or if it does, it must use a system very different to
other animals."
Despite their name, centipedes never have exactly a hundred
legs. Strigamia maritima, which lives in coastal habitats, can
have between 45 and 51 pairs of legs, but the number of pairs is
always odd.
(Reporting by Kate Kelland; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
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