Several animals have multiple hearts, showcasing diverse adaptations for efficient blood circulation and oxygenation.
Here's a breakdown:
- Octopuses and Squids: These cephalopods have three hearts. Two branchial hearts pump blood through the gills, while the systemic heart circulates oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
- Earthworms: While they don't have true hearts, earthworms utilize aortic arches (sometimes called "lateral hearts") to pump blood.
- Hagfish: These primitive, jawless fish possess four hearts: a main heart, a caudal heart (in the tail), and two portal hearts.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches have a long, tube-like heart that runs along their back. This heart has multiple chambers, effectively functioning as multiple pumping sections.
- Cuttlefish: Similar to octopuses and squids, cuttlefish also have three hearts.
- Horseshoe Crabs: These ancient arthropods possess multiple hearts, contributing to their unique circulatory system.
- Leeches: Leeches have multiple lateral hearts or "lateral vessels" along their body that help circulate blood.
In summary, various invertebrates and some fish species have evolved to possess multiple hearts to support their circulatory needs.
