What is the evolutionary origin of blood in the animal kingdom, and how diverse are blood types across different species, including variations like hemolymph and other lesser-known circulatory fluids?
Context The user is curious about the emergence of blood and circulatory systems in animal evolution. They want to understand how animals functioned before blood evolved and explore the diversity of blood types beyond common examples like hemoglobin-based blood, hemocyanin-based blood, and insect hemolymph. They are looking for information beyond what's readily available through standard Google Scholar searches. Simple Answer Animals started simple without any blood. Nutrients just diffused around. Then, some animals developed fluids to carry stuff, like hemolymph in insects. Later, more complex bloods appeared, like ours with hemoglobin to carry oxygen. Different animals use different stuff in their blood to do the same job, like hemocyanin. So, blood evolved over time, and there are lots of different kinds. Detailed Answer The evolution of blood and circulatory systems is a fascinating journey that reflects the increasing complexity of animal life. Initially, simple organisms rel...