IMIS

Publications | Institutes | Persons | Datasets | Projects | Maps
[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Molecular and morphological evidence of a single species, Boccardia proboscidea (Polychaeta: Spionidae), with multiple development modes
Gibson, G.; Paterson, I.G.; Taylor, H.; Woolridge, B. (1999). Molecular and morphological evidence of a single species, Boccardia proboscidea (Polychaeta: Spionidae), with multiple development modes. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 134(4): 743-751. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002270050591
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
Author keywords
    Geographic Origin; Developmental Type; Larval Development; Development Mode

Authors  Top 
  • Gibson, G.
  • Paterson, I.G.
  • Taylor, H.
  • Woolridge, B.

Abstract
    Most species of benthic marine invertebrates have a single mode of larval development. Poecilogonous species are those that produce more than one type of larval offspring. Reports of variable development within one species, especially in combination with widely differing ecological habitat, are frequently attributed to cryptic species. The spionid polychaete Boccardia proboscidea Hartman, 1940 exhibits development that varies both within a single brood and among broods produced by different females. Some females have planktotrophic development and produce many small larvae with a 2 week planktonic period before metamorphosis. Other females produce broods containing both planktotrophic larvae as well as nurse-egg-ingesting (adelphophagic) offspring that hatch as juveniles. Molecular analysis (RAPD-PCR) showed that a significant proportion of genetic variance is attributable to geographic origin, and not to developmental type. Adults of both developmental types showed no consistent differences in taxonomically important features (e.g. type and arrangement of chaetae, modified fifth setiger, caruncle, branchiae, pygidium) when examined with SEM. These data support the hypothesis that developmental variability in this species is a case of poecilogony, and is not attributable to cryptic species.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors