Abstract
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the physiological aspects of reproduction in nematodes. A general survey of the range of reproductive phenomena in the Nematoda indicates that all the main cytogenetic mechanisms observed in the animal kingdom are apparently represented in this phylum. In the pursuit of reproductive efficiency, there has been an elaboration of the reproductive systems, particularly in the parasitic members, such that greater histological and cytological differentiation has engendered precise and, perhaps, unique physiological mechanisms that ensure a successful fertilization and development of the embryo. In particular, the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in the formation of the egg-shell while conserving resources lead to the emergence of unique structural properties in the eggshell, providing for the developing embryo a self-contained and precisely regulated environment. The great success of nematodes as parasites is derived mainly from their ability to maintain reproductive efficiency with little morphological specialization while retaining at the same time some capability for biological variation in ontogeny.
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