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Coloniality in the phylum Rotifera

  • Conference paper
Rotifer Symposium IV

Part of the book series: Developments in Hydrobiology ((DIHY,volume 42))

Abstract

Coloniality in the phylum Rotifera is defined and reviewed. Only two families of rotifers contain truly colonial forms: Flosculariidae and Conochilidae (order Gnesiotrocha, suborder Flosculariacea). Most species form intraspecific colonies ranging in size from a few to about 200 individuals, but species that produce enormous colonies (> 1 000 individuals) are also known. All seven genera of the Flosculariidae contain species that form colonies to widely varying degrees (Beauchampia, Floscularia, Lacinularia, Limnias, Octotrocha, Ptygura, Sinantherina). All four species of the monogenetic Conochilidae (Conochilus) are colonial, but two species form colonies of only an adult and a few young. At least one other family (Philodinidae; Bdelloida) contains a species that exhibits a form of coloniality (Philodina megalotrocha). Two hypotheses that attempt to explain the adaptive significance of coloniality (Energetic Advantage and Predatory Avoidance) are reviewed and new information concerning the former is presented. Evolution of coloniality is discussed briefly.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, Ripon College, Ripon, WI, 54971-0248, USA

    Robert Lee Wallace

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  1. Robert Lee Wallace
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, Scotland

    L. May

  2. Limnologisches Institut, Gaisberg 116, A-5310, Mondsee, Austria

    A. Herzig

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© 1987 Dr W. Junk Publishers, Dordrecht - Printed in the Netherlands

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Wallace, R.L. (1987). Coloniality in the phylum Rotifera. In: May, L., Wallace, R., Herzig, A. (eds) Rotifer Symposium IV. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 42. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4059-8_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4059-8_20

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8302-7

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