Theoretically, this process can go on indefinitely, effectively rendering the jellyfish biologically immortal,[3][6] although in practice individuals can still die. In nature, most Turritopsis dohrnii are likely to succumb to predation or disease in the medusa stage without reverting to the polyp form.[7] --WP

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turritopsis_dohrnii

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[–] [S] 8 points 1 month ago* (2 children)

Yeah, the whole point of classic sex is that it allows for a LOAD more exchange of genetic material than you have with the usual creeping, genetic mutations, compared to lifeforms that self-reproduce.

So there's not an 'evolutionary pressure' here as I understand it, but more like a niche being exploited. We must remember that ~99% of lifeforms on Earth are extinct, and that there are no guarantees of any kind upon sustainable survivability.

For example, with ocean acidification growing pH changes, a range of species (like this one) might suddenly quickly vamoose as a species, with no chance to adapt. That's the 'choice' they made... to live inside a certain niche of sustainability.

Until the lights go out for them... which countless species have experienced before.

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