Ecological, Reproductive and Ontogenetic Features in Pajaudina atlantica Logan (Thecideidae, Brachiopoda, Recent) from the Canary Islands |
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| Authors: | Alan Logan |
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| Institution: | Centre for Coastal Studies, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract. The lacazelline brachiopod Pajaudina , with type species P. atlantica , was originally described by the author in 1988 from dead and transported shells collected by Dutch CANCAP expeditions to the Canary Islands. Living sites have now been discovered in shallow-water caves on El Hierro and La Palma in the Canary Islands. From photographs and specimens, information has been obtained on life habits and associated biota, the nature of the ptycholophe lophophore, sexually dimorphic characters of the shell and ontogenetic growth stages of the dorsal valve. The latter are shown to be similar to those of Lacazella , as exemplified by L. caribbeanensis from the Bahamas, up to the penultimate stage, following which there are repeated furcations of the minor interbrachial lobes not seen in Lacazella but present in Ospreyella Lüter & Wörheide. |
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| Keywords: | Ecological reproductive ontogenetic features Pajaudina atlantica Brachiopoda Recent Canaries |
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