I read a blog by Robert Krulwich of NPR, titled “Are
Butterflies Two Different Animals in One? The Death and Resurrection Theory”,
and I was inspired to share my thoughts. Everyone (or at least most of us), is
aware of the caterpillar to butterfly process, it has been the subject of
countless children’s cartoons, books, and stories. Well not until now have I had
any reason to think that the humble caterpillar and the majestic butterfly were
two different creatures, so to speak.
According to Krulwich’s blog, biologist Bernd Heinrich is
highlighting the idea that a caterpillar starts its life with two different sets
to DNA information; that of the caterpillar, which tells it how to be a caterpillar,
as well as that of a butterfly, which for the time being is silent.
As I have now come to understand it, once the caterpillar
has eaten all it can eat, and makes its cocoon, it basically dies. Inside to
cocoon the caterpillar shrinks, sheds it skin, and its organs dissolve turning
its insides into mush. Most of the caterpillars’ cells die. What remains is the
butterfly DNA information, so free-floating proteins and other nutrients, which
start the process of building a butterfly from the ground up.
Just when I thought the craziness was over, I read one explanations
for how this came about. In a nutshell, a really really long long time ago two
creatures, one worm-like and the other winged ‘accidentally mated’ and parts of
both of their DNA information now co-exist in their descendants, but never
quite fully integrated.
You live, you learn, but most importantly you keep reading.
I’m Just Sayin
P.S., here’s a link to the blog I read, knock yourselves out…
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