What view encourages seeing the sea squirt as an ancient, living experiment?

Answer

Viewing it as a highly specialized, self-contained ecosystem

The concept of the sea squirt operating as an ancient, living experiment is derived from its unique method of maintaining health, which centers on microbial reliance. While humans rely on a complex, genetically coded internal defense system, the sea squirt operates much more like a highly specialized, self-contained ecosystem. In this arrangement, the health and functionality of its resident microbial tenants effectively *is* the host's health, providing a relatively pure model for studying symbiosis in health maintenance. This contrasts with vertebrates and forces a re-evaluation of how host-microbe interactions govern wellness.

What view encourages seeing the sea squirt as an ancient, living experiment?
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