Flexible paths to multicellularity

Nature

by Jaruwatana Sodai Lotharukpong

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A recent study challenges the long-held belief that the evolution of multicellularity occurs through either clonal or aggregative mechanisms, revealing that a species of choanoflagellate, *Choanoeca flexa*, can utilize both approaches. Clonal multicellularity involves genetically identical cells remaining attached after division, while aggregative multicellularity occurs when distinct individuals join together. The study, published in *Nature*, shows that *C. flexa* can seamlessly combine these mechanisms within a single life cycle, adapting to environmental conditions such as salinity levels. This discovery is significant because it overturns the notion that clonal and aggregative pathways are mutually exclusive, instead highlighting their potential integration as a flexible strategy for survival. By employing both methods, *C. flexa* can balance the risks of genetic uniformity in clonal growth with the benefits of diversity from aggregation. This flexibility likely provides an evolutionary advantage, allowing the organism to thrive across varying ecological niches. The findings also challenge previous assumptions about the discrete nature of multicellularity transitions. Instead of a one-step process, this study suggests a more dynamic and adaptive approach where organisms can switch between mechanisms based on environmental cues. This insight opens new avenues for understanding how early multicellular life may have evolved, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in evolutionary processes. For researchers studying the origins of multicellularity, this study underscores the need to reconsider traditional models that separate clonal and aggregative pathways. It also highlights the role of environmental factors in shaping evolutionary strategies, offering a more nuanced view of how complex life forms might have emerged. This work has implications for broader questions about the transition to multicellularity and its significance in the tree of life, making it a crucial contribution to the field of evolutionary biology.

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Originally published on Nature on 2/26/2026