The evolution of molluscan photosymbioses: a critical appraisal

摘要: Partnerships between animals and photosynthesizing microbes have evolved repeatedly, although their history, adaptations, ecology remain controversial little understood. In a critical review of 17 fossil living clades shell-bearing molluscs with photosymbionts (two them newly inferred), adaptive shell modifications ecological aspects are discussed in the broader context photosymbioses other phyla. Fossil candidates characteristics that rare or unknown photosymbiotic molluscs, including cementation, porous microstructure, epifaunal habits on carbonate muds. Many ancient may lived planktonically more productive environments than typical tropical forms. This be related to late appearance (Early Eocene) dinoflagellate Symbiodinium, which can thrive under highly oligotrophic conditions. Living represent small atypical sample all evolved. © 2013 The Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2013, 109, 497–511.