How Manta Rays' Fins Evolved for Underwater Flight

Manta rays and their relatives, like the cownose ray, have fins that are uniquely adapted for life in the open ocean. These fins are split into two parts, each serving a different purpose: one for eating and the other for moving. This special adaptation started with the little skate, a distant relative. Scientists found that a specific gene, Wnt3, helps the fins grow, while another gene, Dkk1, helps to split the fins into two. This split allows the rays to move faster and catch more food, making them excellent underwater flyers.In the family Myliobatidae, which includes manta rays, the fins are even more specialized. They're designed for both feeding and swimming in the open ocean. This is a big change from their ancestors, who lived on the seafloor and had different fin shapes. The way these fins evolved shows how important it is for animals to adapt to their environment. The cownose ray, which is closely related to manta rays, is a great example of this evolution. Its fins have the same split design, showing that this adaptation happened in their common ancestor. This is a fascinating story of how nature helps creatures thrive in their habitats.