Use It, Or Lose It--Even Eyes

"At some point back in deep time, a group of fish were washed into a limestone cave somewhere in northeastern Mexico," reports the Guardian. "With no way out and little more than bat droppings to eat, the fish began to adapt to their new troglodytic lifestyle. Unable to see other members of their group in the dark, they lost their colourful pigmentation. Then they lost their eyesight, their eyes gradually got smaller, and then disappeared altogether.This was accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the size of the brain’s visual system." Read more.

Blind Cave Fish Giving Hints to Eye Disease, Researchers Hope

"Blind cave fish may not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to understanding human sight, but recent research indicates they may have quite a bit to teach us about the causes of many human ailments, including those that result in loss of sight," according to Science Daily. "A team of researchers is looking to the tiny eyeless fish for clues about the underpinnings of degenerative eye disease and more." Read more.