The unlimited potential of the great pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis
Overview
Paper Summary
Lymnaea stagnalis, the great pond snail, has been used extensively as a model organism in various fields, from neurobiology to ecotoxicology and evolutionary biology, due to its simple nervous system, accessible neurons, and well-characterized life cycle. The review highlights the snail's advantages, including its sequenced genome and amenability to gene editing, while advocating for more integration of laboratory and field studies to address outstanding questions about its natural history.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists found that a special pond snail is like a superstar animal for learning many things. Its simple brain helps them understand how bodies work, how pollution hurts animals, and even how creatures change over time.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the great pond snail (L. stagnalis) as a model organism, covering its use in neurobiology, ecotoxicology, evolution, and more. While it lacks a specific research question and relies heavily on qualitative descriptions, the breadth of information and the emphasis on integrating laboratory and field findings are valuable. The lack of quantitative comparisons and concrete strategies for integration are limitations, preventing a top rating.
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