Early development of the rainbow darter,Etheostoma caeruleum,according to the theory of saltatory ontogeny |
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Authors: | Michael D Paine Eugene K Balon |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Zoology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, NIG 2WI1, Canada |
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Abstract: | Synopsis The early development of rainbow darter, Etheostoma caeruleum, was examined from an ecological perspective. Steps and thresholds of ontogeny to completion of body squammation are defined,
and related to environmental factors. Rainbow darter eggs are about 2 mm diameter, considerably larger than those of related
logperch (Percina caprodes). The embryonic vitelline respiratory plexus is much more extensive. The pelagic interval characteristic of logperch and
ancestral percids is eliminated and onset of exogenous feeding is delayed. The larger larvae of the rainbow darter can begin
feeding directly on aquatic insects, and complete their life cycle in streams. Therefore, shifts in the timing of important
thresholds (e.g. exogenous feeding) are ecologically important. Furthermore, early maturation and/or delayed bone and scale
formation may be responsible for reductions in the lateralis system and scalation in this and other darter species. |
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Keywords: | Percidae Etheostomatini Ecomorphology Embryology Ecology Early life history Heterochrony |
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