Nematocyst sequestration within the family Fionidae (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) considering ecological properties and evolution.

ABSTRACT: Aeolid nudibranchs are well-known for their ability to incorporate cnidarian nematocysts and use them for defense; this process is tightly linked with the feeding preferences of molluscs. As many nudibranch groups show signs of ecology-based adaptive radiation, studies of prey-based defensive mechanisms can provide valuable insight into details of nudibranch evolutionary history. The main goal of this study is to test the correlation of ecological traits, feeding mechanisms, and prey preferences with cnidosac fine morphology and to pinpoint the phylogenetic value of these traits. We study the cnidosac morphology in thirteen species-representatives of the main lineages within the family Fionidae s.l. The morphological analysis includes histological sections, transmission electron microscopy

SUBMITTER: Ekimova IA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9670572 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature