Comb Jelly

Comb jellies are not true jellyfish but a separate phylum that independently evolved similar body forms. They demonstrate remarkable regeneration—some species can regenerate entire halves of their body within days, and recent research shows they may be able to regenerate complete nervous systems. This regeneration evolved independently from cnidarian (hydra/jellyfish) regeneration, demonstrating convergent evolution of immortality-enabling capabilities.

The independent evolution of regeneration in ctenophores proves that this capability isn't a lucky accident of cnidarian biology but a strategy that evolves when conditions favor it. Multiple lineages have independently discovered that investing in regeneration pays survival dividends. This convergence suggests regeneration may be more achievable than assumed for organisms currently lacking it.

For business strategy, comb jelly convergent evolution illustrates how successful strategies independently emerge across different organizational contexts. Subscription models, platform businesses, and lean manufacturing weren't invented once and copied; they emerged repeatedly because they solve recurring problems. Organizations can be confident that strategies proving successful elsewhere can likely be adapted to their context.

The ctenophore's nervous system—different from and possibly more ancient than other animal nervous systems—provides another insight. Sometimes the most effective approaches aren't refinements of current methods but alternatives from parallel evolutionary paths. Business innovators might find solutions in unrelated industries rather than incremental improvements within their own.