Darwinbots Forum
General => Biology => Topic started by: Ulciscor on July 28, 2005, 01:22:30 AM
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I've been wondering for a while what the advantages were that lead to the evolution of multi-cellular organisms. I've tried a google session but have been unsuccessful.
Surely there were more prone to problems with mutations, required more energy, and were much more difficult to organise than single-celled organisms.
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Two things: size and specialization.
In small-organism world size is important. These guys (gasp) eat each other! So if you are multicellular - you are not so easy to swallow.
Specialization is an obvious plus: you can do so much more if you have multiple classes of cells.
Search for volvox (even on this board) - it is probably the simplest known multicellular organism.
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I thought of specialisation but then thought that the drawbacks of becoming multicellular are so huge there must be bigger advantages.
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It wasn't just a sudden puncuated event. If it was, you're right, it would be hard. First cells probably learned to hang around each other. Then they probably specialized somewhat. Then they probably found ways to ensure they all stay together. Maybe not in that order, but you get the idea.
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thats basacly it