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Note on the Feeding of Amphioxus (Branchiostoma bermudœ)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 June 2012

R. Dennell
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, The University, Manchester.
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Synopsis

The ciliary feeding mechanism of Amphioxus (Branchiostoma bermudœ) is dependent for its continued effectiveness on the cleaning action of a powerful current of water produced by movements of the floor of the atrium. As ciliary feeding progresses, the buccal cirri become heavily choked with particles of detritus, and the feeding current entering the pharynx is thereby reduced. When this occurs, the atrial floor is violently raised and lowered, and water is pumped in and out of the atrium by way of the pharynx and oral hood, dislodging the accumulated particles from the buccal cirri. As is to be expected, the atriopore is capable of being closed during this process.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1950

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References

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