Chiton integument: Metamorphic changes in Mopalia muscosa (Mollusca, Polyplacophora)

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Esther M. Leise, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The larval integument and juvenile girdle integument of Mopalia muscosa (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) were studied by light microscopy. Within 24 h of settlement, eight distinctive changes occur that characterize metamorphosis: loss of the functional prototroch and apical tuft, secretion of a cuticle over the mantle field followed by the secretion of calcareous shell plates and the extrusion of spicules into the cuticle, a 20% decrease in length, secretion of chitinous hairs and the incorporation of the lateral ciliated bands into the pallial grooves. Similar changes which were often not recognized as metamorphic have been reported for other species. Evidence for metamorphosis being a common developmental feature of chitons is presented.

Additional Information

Publication
Zoomorphology 104:337-343.
Language: English
Date: 1984
Keywords
Integument, Chiton, Morphology, Metamorphosis

Email this document to