Scientists Say , Spiders Exhibit Signs , of R.E.M. Sleep.
In a report published on August 8, researchers reveal their work studying Evarcha arcuata, a type of jumping spider, to determine if spiders dream.
Scientists say that Evarcha arcuata twitch their legs and move their eyes, showing something similar to rapid eye movement, or R.E.M. sleep. .
R.E.M. is the sleep phase during which
dreaming occurs for humans and other animals
scientists believe are capable of dreaming. .
According to this study, R.E.M. sleep may be more common among animals than previously believed.
If this is true, it may help scientists solve the mystery of dreams' purpose and evolution.
Unlike most spiders, Evarcha arcuata's
largest pair of eyes actually move and could
therefore replicate something akin to human R.E.M.
While observing Evarcha arcuata, scientists noticed a number of hallmarks of R.E.M. sleep, including twitches, relaxed muscles and eye movement.
All of them seem to be the same
as they are in mammals, Dr. Lauren Sumner-Rooney, Sensory biologist
at the Leibniz Institute for Biodiversity and
Evolution Research, via 'The New York Times'.
Previously, scientists have found
evidence of R.E.M. sleep in birds,
cephalopods and a reptile.
Previously, scientists have found
evidence of R.E.M. sleep in birds,
cephalopods and a reptile.
Previously, scientists have found
evidence of R.E.M. sleep in birds,
cephalopods and a reptile.
Arthropods experiencing R.E.M. sleep suggest that
the phenomenon of dreams may be more ancient
or universal than previously assumed by science