Correlated evolution between mode of larval development and habitat in muricid gastropods.

ABSTRACT: Larval modes of development affect evolutionary processes and influence the distribution of marine invertebrates in the ocean. The decrease in pelagic development toward higher latitudes is one of the patterns of distribution most frequently discussed in marine organisms (Thorson's rule), which has been related to increased larval mortality associated with long pelagic durations in colder waters. However, the type of substrate occupied by adults has been suggested to influence the generality of the latitudinal patterns in larval development. To help understand how the environment affects the evolution of larval types we evaluated the association between larval development and habitat using gastropods of the Muricidae family as a model group. To achieve this goal, we collected information o

SUBMITTER: Pappalardo P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3979742 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature