Exoskeletal cuticle of cavernicolous and epigean terrestrial isopods: A review and perspectives |
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| Affiliation: | 1. University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;2. National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;1. College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China;2. Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China;3. Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, State Forestry Administration, Beijing, 100091, China;4. State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China;1. Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;2. Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;1. Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA;2. Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA;1. Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118, Kiel, Germany;2. Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia;3. Department of Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Science, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria;4. Institute of Zoology, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor Mendel Strasse 33, 1180, Vienna, Austria;1. Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland;2. Department for Biomimetics, City University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, Germany |
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| Abstract: | Comparative ultrastructural studies of the integument in terrestrial isopod crustaceans show that specific environmental adaptations of different eco-morphotypes are reflected in cuticle structure. The biphasic molting in isopods is a valuable experimental model for studies of cuticular matrix secretion and degradation in the same animal. The aim of this review is to show structural and functional adaptations of the tergal cuticle in terrestrial isopods inhabiting cave habitats. Exoskeletal cuticle thickness, the number of cuticular layers, epicuticle structure, mineralization, pigmentation and complexity of sensory structures are compared, with greater focus on the well-studied cave trichoniscid Titanethes albus. A large number of thinner cuticular layers in cave isopods compared to fewer thicker cuticular layers in related epigean species of similar body-sizes is explained as a specific adaptation to the cavernicolous life style. The epicuticle structure and composition are compared in relation to their potential waterproofing capacity in different environments. Cuticle mineralization is described from the functional point of view as well as from the aspect of different calcium storage sites and calcium dynamics during the molt cycle. We also discuss the nature and reduction of pigmentation in the cave environment and outline perspectives for future research. |
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| Keywords: | Woodlice Arthropod Integument Caves |
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