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Phylogenetic comparison of spicule networks in cryptobranchiate dorid nudibranchs (Gastropoda, Euthyneura, Nudibranchia, Doridina)
Author(s) -
Penney Brian K.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2008.00320.x
Subject(s) - sponge spicule , spicule , biology , opisthobranchia , phylogenetic tree , gastropoda , zoology , anatomy , evolutionary biology , paleontology , biochemistry , gene
Many dorid nudibranchs possess large numbers of calcareous spicules in their mantle, gill, rhinophores and foot. However, the arrangements of these structures and their differences among taxa are poorly known. Spicule networks were stained with Alizarin red and compared among 12 species of cryptobranchiate dorid nudibranchs and four outgroups. Three general types of networks were found: a cobweb‐like, unbraced framework of one or few spicules per side; a ramifying system of thick, spiculated tracts; and a lattice‐like arrangement of distinct radial and circumferential tracts. The Discodorididae species investigated shared a cobweb‐like network and papillae supported by a ring of spicules, while the Porostomata showed consistent characters leading to a lattice‐like network with larger spicules in the central notum. The Dorididae studied were not cohesive, but each species shared characters with the aforementioned groups. Therefore, spicule network form may provide new characters to help resolve the phylogeny of Doridina.