XII.—The Monomyarian Condition in the Lamellibranchia

Abstract

SynopsisThe Mollusca possess two growth axes associated with the body and the mantle/shell respectively. Evolution of the Lamellibranchia involved assumption by the mantle/shell of responsibility for growth and form; also the formation of anterior and posterior adductors. Change from this dimyarian to a heteromyarian and finally monomyarian condition involved changes in the relations of body and mantle/shell. These are considered with regard to their two major axes in the saggital plane. Although body form may be greatly influenced by changes in that of the mantle/shell, its proportions are only altered where the body is attached by byssus. Then the anterior half may be reduced and the anterior adductor finally lost. This occurs in many Anisomyaria, these monomyarians being divisible into five groups according to habit. Apart from the Limidæ, all are bilaterally asymmetrical. In those which have lost the foot, both axes of the body are effectively lost. Primary pallial attachment is lost but secondary attachment has been achieved in most cases. In the Tridacnidæ (Eulamellibranchia) the mantle/shell has rotated in the saggital plane in relation to the fixed body with resultant loss of the anterior adductor. There is hypertrophy and extension antero-dorsally of the originally posterior siphonal tissues in which zooxanthellæ are contained. Evolution may have proceeded by way of now extinct heteromyarians such asLithocardium. In the freshwaterAcostœa(Mulleria) the anterior adductor is lost during growth following cementation by one or other valve. The form of the body is little affected. Variation and natural selection account for the variety of form and habit exhibited by these diverse monomyarians.