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The occurrence of abnormal embryos in two ovoviviparous barnacle-dwelling littorinids

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2000

Lisa J. Johnson
Affiliation:
University College Scarborough, Filey Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3SN, UK
Peter J. Mill
Affiliation:
School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
Susan L. Hull
Affiliation:
University College Scarborough, Filey Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3SN, UK
Jean-Paul Ducrotoy
Affiliation:
University College Scarborough, Filey Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3SN, UK

Abstract

The occurrence of developmental abnormalities in two ovoviviparous littorinids (Littorina neglecta and a barnacle-dwelling form of L. saxatilis) inhabiting the barnacle zone at Peak Steel, Ravenscar on the north-east coast of England was investigated. In general developmental abnormalities appeared to be a rare occurrence in both taxa. However, L. neglecta was found to have a significantly greater proportion of deformed embryos in their brood pouches than L. saxatilis B (Figure 1). A distinct seasonal variation in the number of developmental abnormalities was observed in L. neglecta, and it is suggested this is a result of broods developing outside of the main reproductive season being more prone to deformity.

Type
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Copyright
2000 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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