Document of bibliographic reference 6716

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Book chapters

Type of document

Summary

BibLvlCode

AMS

Title

Systematics and evolution in Polycystididae (Turbellaria, Kalyptorhyncia)

Abstract

Possible evolutionary trends within Polycystididae have been indicated by Karling (1956) while studying the male genital organs of seyeral turbellarian groups. For the moment his ideas seem the most valuable basis for establishing an intrafamiliar system of Polycystididae, and have hence been applied formally (Schockaert, 1974). However, it can be demonstrated with several examples that the underlying principles prove to be unsatisfactory when one tries to apply Hennig's methodology:-the subfamily Duplacrorhynchinae Schockaert & Karling, 1970, can be recognized as containing the most plesimorph polycystidids; a synapomorph character that would give us an indication of the monophyly of this taxon is lacking;-the homology of some glandular elements (al! derivatives of the atrial epithelium) is often doubtful;-gutter- or tube-like cuticular stylets (derived from cirrus spines), .clearly representing an apomorph condition, have undoubtedly originated more than once and do not offer a sound basis delimiting monophyletic groups ...We are strongly convinced that it will be absolutely necessary to abandon the genital apparatus as the nearly unique basis for taxonomy in polycystidids and other turbellarian groups. All too often we find convergence in the structure of copulatory organs in obviously remote taxa. Moreover, we can have some doubt about the selective meaning of this organ system, even about its role in reproductive isolation, i.e. in the process of speciation. Can we, under these circumstances, pay too much attention to these organs in taxonomy above the species- or genus- level? We do hope that other elements will provide us with a more solid morphological basis, if necessary with the help of the electron microscope.

Bibliographic citation

Schockaert, E.R. (1977). Systematics and evolution in Polycystididae (Turbellaria, Kalyptorhyncia), in: Sterrer, W. et al. (Ed.) The Meiofauna Species in Time and Space. Proceedings of a Workshop Symposium Bermuda Biological Station 1975. Mikrofauna des Meeresbodens, 61: pp. 309

location created

Universitaire Campus

Topic

Marine

Is peer reviewed

true

Access rights

open access

Is accessible for free

true