Morphology of the bourgueticrinid and isocrinid aboral nervous system and its possible phylogenetic implications (Echinodermata, Crinoidea)

Bohn, J. M. & Heinzeller, T. 1999. Morphology of the bourgueticrinid and isocrinid aboral nervous system and its possible phylogenetic implications (Echinodermata, Crinoidea). — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 80: 241-249.
On the basis of semithin serial sections the aboral nervous system within the calyx of five bourgueticrinid and one isocrinid species was reconstructed using the computer programm NIH Image. The aboral nervous system of all bourgueticrinids belongs to a common type which is proposed to be called ' Bathycrinus -type' (B-type), that differs from the ' Isocrinus -type' (I-type). The morphology of the B-type and the I-type are described and differences are discussed. Together with the B-type there are now six aboral nervous system types well established and the consequences regarding phylogeny are discussed. Conclusions: 1) The morphology of the aboral nervous system may be a useful tool for the clarification of relationships between crinoid groups; 2) All known aboral nervous system types can be derived from the I-type, which seems to be the most primitive one; 3) The B-type aboral nervous system is probably a synapomorphic feature charac-terizing a monophyletic group within the Bourgueticrinida.