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Ampullae of Lorenzini
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Electroreception and electrogenesis - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org 10 facts
claimWhile most bony fishes have secondarily lost their ampullae of Lorenzini, non-homologous electroreceptors have evolved in monotremes (platypus and echidnas) and cetaceans (Guiana dolphin).
claimThe ampullae of Lorenzini are electroreceptive organs that evolved early in vertebrate history and are found in cartilaginous fishes (such as sharks) and bony fishes (such as coelacanths and sturgeons).
claimThe ancestral mechanism for electroreception is called ampullary electroreception, which utilizes organs known as ampullae of Lorenzini.
claimIn vertebrate groups where electroreception occurs despite the loss of ampullae of Lorenzini, the trait was secondarily acquired using non-homologous organs.
accountIn 1678, Italian physician Stefano Lorenzini discovered the organs on the heads of sharks now known as the ampullae of Lorenzini, publishing his findings in 'Osservazioni intorno alle torpedini'.
claimSharks and rays (Elasmobranchii) rely on electrolocation using their ampullae of Lorenzini during the final stages of their attacks.
claimAmpullae of Lorenzini appear to have been lost early in the evolution of bony fishes and tetrapods, though evidence for this absence is incomplete.
claimAmpullae of Lorenzini evolved from the mechanical sensors of the lateral line.
claimPassive electroreception typically utilizes ampullary receptors, such as the ampullae of Lorenzini, which detect low-frequency stimuli below 50 Hz.
claimThe electroreceptive function of the ampullae of Lorenzini was established by R. W. Murray in 1960.
Electric fish - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org 1 fact
claimAmpullae of Lorenzini are present in cartilaginous fishes (sharks, rays, and chimaeras), lungfishes, bichirs, coelacanths, sturgeons, paddlefish, aquatic salamanders, and caecilians.