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Is annual reproduction in deep-sea echinoderms a response to variability in their environment?

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Abstract

The deep-sea environment has traditionally been considered as one of the least variable on the surface of the Earth1–3. However, recent evidence4–6 suggests that there may be a seasonal fluctuation in the physicochemical environment, and there is further evidence7–11 that annual reproductive periodicities may occur among populations of deep-sea invertebrates. We report here evidence for annual periodicities and considerable between-species synchrony in the reproductive cycles of five deep-sea echinoderms, spawning occurring in late winter and early spring. These species also show a similar mode of early development that suggests adaptation to a seasonally varying food supply.

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Author notes

  1. J. D. Gage: Scottish Marine Biological Association, Dunstaffnage Marine Research Laboratory, PO Box 3, Oban, Argyll PA34 4AD, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oceanography, University College of Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK

    P. A. Tyler, A. Grant, S. L. Pain & J. D. Gage

Authors
  1. P. A. Tyler
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  2. A. Grant
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  3. S. L. Pain
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  4. J. D. Gage
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Tyler, P., Grant, A., Pain, S. et al. Is annual reproduction in deep-sea echinoderms a response to variability in their environment?. Nature 300, 747–750 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/300747a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/300747a0

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