Ontogenetic changes in the trochoidean (Archaeogastropoda) radula, with some phylogenetic interpretations |
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Authors: | ANDERS WARÉN |
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Institution: | Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, S-10405 Stockholm, Sweden. |
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Abstract: | Radulae have been examined of juvenile specimens of 18 species belonging to the Turbinidae, the Tricoliidae. and 6 subfamilies of Trochidae. The investigations show that all species pass through profound changes, usually finishing at a size of 1.5–3 teleoconch whorls. Most species have an identical, shared morphology at a size of up to 1.5–2 teleoconch whorls, except the species of Calliostomatinac and Solariellinae. The evolutionary consequences are discussed and it is suggested that such an unspecialized starting point means a high potential for specializations and future evolution. For the taxonomist this means a reduction in the reliability of radular differences as a systematic tool. |
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