On the Question of the Length of Hydroplasma Flows in the Colonial Hydroid Dynamena pumila (L., 1758)

Abstract

The paper reports on the study of the length of hydroplasmatic flows (HPFs) in the colonial hydroid Dynamena pumila (L., 1758) and expands on the previously obtained results. In this study, colonies were visual scanned under a microscope, and the flow direction and saturation with food particles in each stolon module were recorded. As a result, it was established that a continuous unidirectional flow can extend along the entire distance from the base of the maternal stem to the stolon apex. Support has been obtained for a theory postulating the sequential participation of intermediate shoots in hydroplasmatic movement along the stolon and in flow formation. The movement of food particles along the stolon is possible not only by means of hydroplasmatic supply from a single source (maternal stem) but also by the sequential branching of the HPF into the shoots along the path, which activates the participation of intermediate shoots in further particle movement along the stolon.