Open AccessCtenophores are direct developers that reproduce continuously beginning very early after hatching
Author(s) -
Allison Edgar,
José Miguel Ponciano,
Mark Q. Martindale
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2122052119
Subject(s) - biology , spawn (biology) , metamorphosis , reproduction , ecology , fecundity , zoology , life history theory , hatching , larva , taxon , life history , population , demography , sociology
Significance Ctenophore cydippid larvae are not larvae at all and begin adult reproduction at an early age (∼14 vs. ∼60 d) and small size (∼1 vs. ∼100 mm) relative to attainment of what has been considered the adult stage. This overturns the previous understanding of the ctenophore life cycle, which was believed to be a unique form of biphasic life cycle with two separate sexually reproductive periods. Practically, these results clarify ecological controls regulating ctenophore reproduction and will aid management of this invasive species. Additionally, the 2-wk egg-to-egg generation time will open new avenues of research in this understudied but informative taxon.