Biologists say the finding sheds light on hidden aspects not only of coral reproduction but of evolution, suggesting that light receptors arose surprisingly early in the development of animals.

• 生物学家说，这项发现非但在珊瑚繁殖上，在进化上也揭开一些未为人知的层面，显示受光器在动物发展史上出现的阶段出奇得早。