Evolution of larval form in ophiuroids: insights from the metamorphic phenotype of Ophiothrix (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea).

Abstract excerpt

Comparison of development through metamorphosis in Ophiothrix species provided insights into the evolutionary relationships between Type I (ophiopluteus only) and Type II (ophiopluteus and vitellaria) patterns of development in the Ophiuroidea. As typical of Type I developers, the six inner larval arms in Ophiothrix spongicola were fully resorbed at metamorphosis and no remnants of ciliated epithelia were...

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