Postembryonic Development of Hard Jaws (Trophi) in a Species Belonging to the Brachionus plicatilis Complex (Rotifera, Monogononta): A Morphometric Analysis

摘要: The presence of hard jaws (trophi), with species-specific shape and size, is a taxonomic feature Rotifera, group microscopic metazoans. Since trophi are used to discriminate among species, it important know whether these structures change in taxonomically ways during postembryonic development. Using both SEM optical images, we analyzed more than 100 individuals single clonal lineage monogonont rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis, order describe body development after hatching. Body expressed as lorica width length, was isometrically related age the animals only preadult stages. Trophi length different parts, unrelated either or size. Therefore, elements do not grow hatching B. plicatilis. Despite dimensional invariance age, some differences size same clone were recorded. No difference left-right asymmetry shown; asymmetric named rami consistently had right ramus longer left. This constancy contrast reported asymmetries bdelloid rotifers, which constant within lineages. In conclusion, suggest that also clone, may be an additional help discrimination taxa plicatilis complex cryptic species.