A Lighthearted Comparison & Identification Aid
When identifying Botryllids, I frequently use the suburban housing development as a model for identifying Botrylloides. This has been especially useful when the colonies are small or when the colors of Botrylloides violaceus and Botryllus schlosseri are similar. The organization of zooids in each species is distinctly different, with Botryllus forming stars and clusters and Botrylloides forming meandering chains of zooids reminiscent of newly constructed southwest housing tracts.
Human Social Organization - Shared Roads and Utilities.
Botrylloides Organization - Shared Excurrent Canals and Blood Channels
It's fascinating when we see nature's designs show up in human social organization. And somewhat validating, too, that we're all interconnected.
