Phenotypic plasticity and morphological integration in a marine modular invertebrate.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colonial invertebrates such as corals exhibit nested levels of modularity, imposing a challenge to the depiction of their morphological evolution. Comparisons among diverse Caribbean gorgonian corals suggest decoupling of evolution at the polyp vs. branch/internode levels. Thus, evolutionary change in polyp form or size (the colonial module sensu stricto) does not imply a change in colony form (constructed of modular branches and other emergent features). This study examined the patterns of morphological integration at the intraspecific level. Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata (Verrill) (Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae) is a Caribbean shallow water gorgonian that can colonize most reef habitats (shallow/exposed vs. deep/protected; 1-45 m) and shows great morphological variation.

SUBMITTER: Sanchez JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1959521 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature