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Microphthalmus hamosus sp.n. (Polychaeta, Hesionidae)—an Example of Evolution Leading from the Interstitial Fauna to a Macrofaunal lnterspecific Relationship
Author(s) -
WESTHEIDE WILFRIED
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
zoologica scripta
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.204
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1463-6409
pISSN - 0300-3256
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6409.1982.tb00531.x
Subject(s) - biology , fauna , seta , biotope , ecology , genetic algorithm , adaptation (eye) , phylogenetic tree , genus , zoology , habitat , neuroscience , biochemistry , gene
Microphthalmus hamosus sp.n. is described from Florida and North Carolina, USA. Striking characters as body shape, parapod construction, setation and shape of the anal plate can be referred to a close interspecific relationship with a macrofauna species: one specimen was found on Sipunculus nudus . The phylogenetic‐systematic position of the new species within the genus is discussed. The speciation process leading to a niche outside the interstitial biotope included a secondary increase in body size and number of segments. Dollo's law is applicable on the sctation: setae which have been lost in the previous adaptation to interstitial life do not reappear.