Animals recombining

[Birt]

Hi Abers

I have heard that certain animals (i think it was sea sponges) can recombine their bodies if they are chopped up. Even to the point if 2 different sponges were chopped up and mixed together they would recombine exactly as they were and carry on living as if nothing has happened. How in the hell can they do this?

[brachiopod]

Because they are not a single organism, but a colony of organisms. Many of the individuals have specific functions, hence when mashed through a sieve, they are able to recombine with fellow individuals with a similar function. Hence the general form of the sponge is recreated - though it is not exactly as before.

[Champagne]

Did you get that fact off QI by any chance Birt?

[Birt]

I think it was from there but cant really remember. The fact kinda stuck in my mind as it is really strange. I am a bit sceptical of some of the "facts" on QI.