Nerve cells

The first simple nerves appeared during the Vaporum epoch. Flexible tubing pinches shut when bent, closing off the flow of air and signaling the change in position.

Nerve cells have since multiplied and diversified, making a variety of forms. Like valves and transistors, they are generally gates that open or close in response to an input.

Aided by nerve cells sensitive to pressure, body position, water, or wind, strandbeests can move with coordination and grace, steer clear of soft sand and dangerous surf, remember how far they’ve traveled, or hunker down during a storm.

Epoch: Cerebrum, The Brains Period, 2006-present