Asexual propagation and reproductive strategies in aquatic Oligochaeta

A great variety of asexual reproductive modes are known among aquatic oligochaetes. The main types of these modes are shortly described. Based upon observations on natural populations, the possible genetical and ecological implications of asexual reproduction are discussed. The following points are emphasized: (1) The often expressed expectations of a strong predominance of one particularly adaptive genotype is not born out. (2) In most cases, a number of genetically distinct clones are present in each population, and they show a strong differential distribution in heterogeneous environments, indicating an effective exploitation of the available resources. (3) Most cases of asexual propagation are reproductive strategies of their own and not escape mechanisms. (4) The mechanisms underlying asexual propagation are complex and involve many aspects of the life history. The great variety of types among aquatic oligochaetes offer particularly useful models for the study of these problems.