Mudskippers, unique intertidal fish, have adapted to both land and water. Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology, Seton Hill University, and Pennsylvania State University studied mudskippers to investigate the evolution of blinking, a critical behavior for eye health that remains poorly understood. The study aimed to uncover how blinking supports life on land, drawing parallels between mudskippers and early tetrapods, despite their distant relation. The research found that mudskippers blink by pulling their eyes down into their sockets using existing muscles rather than new structures. This discovery highlights that complex behaviors can evolve from simpler mechanisms. Mudskippers blink to keep their eyes wet, clean, and protected, functions shared with land-dwelling animals, providing insights into the evolutionary adaptations necessary for transitioning from water to land. The collaborative nature of the research involved the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program, engaging undergraduates from various disciplines and enhancing their scientific and technical skillsets. The research examines broader evolutionary questions, indicating that new behaviors can emerge from the repurposing of existing anatomical structures. Ultimately, this study not only enhances our understanding of mudskippers but also contributes to knowledge about evolutionary biology and the adaptability of vertebrates.
