| Abstract: | Dynamics of the reproduction in the trematode Echinostoma caproni parthenites (Echinostomatidae) was observed. Early laying and maturation of the generative cells are for the first time shown to be characteristic for all parthenogenetic generations. Really the process of reproduction had been finishing to the beginning of the generating of new age by parthenites. Mother sporocysts, as well as redia of different generations, in fact stop producing new generative cells with the beginning of the generating of new age, and assume the function of a brood pouch. This feature was considered previously as peculiar mainly to mother sporocysts. Data on the autotomy of the anterior body end in mother sporocysts are verified. In our opinion, these data are an evidence of an early manifestation of the evolutionary trend to the morpho-functional regress and disintegration of the parasitic stage of mother sporocyst. |
