ABSTRACT
The problem of the four mechano- and electroreception systems shared among all vertebrates is indeed intriguing. Despite the diversity of vertebrate species, all representatives have these sensory systems, which suggests that they have a common evolutionary origin. One possible explanation for this shared characteristic is that these sensory systems evolved in response to similar ecological pressures. For example, the vestibular system, which is involved in maintaining balance and detecting head movements, likely evolved in response to the transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Similarly, the lateral line system, which detects water currents and vibrations, likely evolved in response to the need for prey detection and navigation in aquatic environments. Another important aspect of these sensory systems is the triple dependency demonstrated among neurons, brainstem nuclei, and sensory cells. This suggests a high level of integration and coordination between different parts of the nervous system, which is essential for the proper function of these sensory systems. By studying the evolutionary history and functional properties of these sensory systems, scientists can gain a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie sensory processing and the evolution of nervous systems. Additionally, studying these systems in different vertebrate species can provide insights into the diversity and adaptability of sensory processing mechanisms in response to different ecological pressures.
