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. 2015 Dec 19;370(1684):20150181. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0181

Table 1.

The ‘explanatory model’ and ‘function’ matrix of the origin of nervous systems. The entries in the cells give examples, in simple organisms, of each of the six roles that nervous systems can play.

function
explanatory models neural control of behaviour neural control of physiology neural control of development
input–output phototaxis; chemotaxis; toxin gland discharge light-controlled reproduction; salivary reflex environmentally triggered metamorphosis
internal coordination jet propulsion; undulatory swimming gut peristalsis; diuresis control; neuroendocrine control of metabolism neuroendocrine control of growth; ecdysis