Premium
Asplanchna ‐induced polymorphism in the rotifer Keratella slacki 1
Author(s) -
Gilbert John J.,
Stemberger Richard S.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 197
eISSN - 1939-5590
pISSN - 0024-3590
DOI - 10.4319/lo.1984.29.6.1309
Subject(s) - rotifer , spine (molecular biology) , predation , biology , anatomy , zoology , ecology , microbiology and biotechnology
Asplanchna releases into its environment a filterable factor which induces eggs of Keratella slacki to develop into individuals with slightly larger (≈ 15%) bodies, considerably longer (≈ 30%) anterior spines, much longer (≈ 130%) right posterior spines, and sometimes short, left posterior spines not otherwise present. The Asplanchna ‐induced morph is much less susceptible to Asplanchna predation than the noninduced morph, its long spines making it about two times less likely to be captured after being attacked and about five times less likely to be ingested after being captured. The pronounced asymmetry of the posterior spines may minimize the cost of spine production without sacrificing protection.