Study of surface shell structures in Thecosomata (Pteropoda: Mollusca), by means of scanning electron microscopy.

BOLTOVSKOY DEMETRIO

MARINE BIOLOGY

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 1974 vol. 27 p. 165 - 172

0025-3162

The shell ornamentation of 6 species of Limacinidae and 2 species of Peraclididae has been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. The author analyzes the phylogenetic relationships between the species considered and the morphologic resemblance with protoconchs of other Gastropoda. The function of some of the features observed is considered, and the relationship between adult and larval environments and shell formation discussed. Pteropoda do not exhibit conspicuous differences between veliger and adult shells, but there is quite an important difference between the protoconch and the rest of the shell, the former being very similar in several Gastropoda. The division of the genus Limacina into 3 subgenera, as proposed by Van der Spoel (1967), is also partially confirmed by the present study.