Abstract
The effects of food conditions on larval morphology were tested with two echinoid species: the sand dollar Dendraster excentricus (Eschscholtz) from the northeastern Pacific at the Friday Harbor Laboratories, Washington, U.S.A., and the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck) from the Caribbean at Isla Magueyes Marine Station, Puerto Rico. Larvae of both the temperate zone Dendraster excentricus and the tropical Lytechinus variegatus were fed cultured algae in amounts ranging from excess to none. Two measurements, postoral arm and mid-body lengths, were followed during larval development. Both species alter these dimensions to increase their feeding capacity in response to lower food level. When food is scarce, the ciliated band elongates relative to larval size through an increase in larval arm length relative to body length. This plasticity may be an adaptation to variable food supplies in their natural environment.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
