Japanese researchers have discovered very bizarre behavior in two species of sea snails. The Elysia cf. marginata and the Elysia atroviridis can decapitate themselves and grow a completely new body.
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The snails that did it were 226 to 336 days old. They then lived on algae and within seven days a new heart had already grown at the head. Within twenty days there was a completely new body. In fact, one snail was able to complete the whole process twice. Older snails also decapitate themselves, but usually do not survive the maneuver.
Why the snails decapitate themselves is not yet clear. Researchers think they protect themselves if possible after an attack by parasites. How the snails survive without a heart or other vital organs is unclear.
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