Lateral inhibition in the astogeny of conical multistiped graptolites

Conical multistiped graptolites (in particular Rhabdinopora) grow in patterns which can be understood using a lateral inhibition model based on diffusion of nutrients or pheromones around the colony. Many aspects of rhabdosome morphology are explained with this model. These include branching and the distribution of branching points, the morphology of bifurcations, the almost constant spacing of stipes, the high rate of branching in early stages, the variation in expansion rate, and regeneration patterns after damage. For the first time, a full three-dimensional computer simulation of graptolite growth has been accomplished, assuming biologically justified processes instead of formal growth rules. The simulations indicate that dissepiments were instrumental in controlling rhabdosome shape, but not sufficient to keep its horizontal section perfectly circular.