1978/05/01 by J. H. JARVIS, J. H. Jarvis, P. E. KING +1
Environmental Science · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Crustacean biology and ecology #Marine Biology and Ecology Research #Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1978.tb02093.x
There is little information concerning the reproductive biology of the Pycnogonida. Information obtained by the authors concerning the female reproductive system of British pycnogonids is discussed and evaluated. Oögenesis and vitellogenesis are similar to the processes described in some annelids and crustaceans. Vitellogenesis contrasts with the process in insects where the majority of the yolk is produced extra-oöcytically and is transported to the developing oocyte, whereas in the Pycnogonida the majority of the yolk is produced intra-oöocytically with only a small extra-oöcyte contribution. This represents a fairly primitive arthropodan type of vitellogenesis. The reproductive cycles of several British pycnogonid species have been studied by regular sampling at different localities over long periods of time. This has provided information on population dynamics, particularly life-span, migratory movements and fecundity. Although similarities exist between species there are also marked differences in that some species produce only a single new generation each year, whereas in others the presence of a second population of mature ova in the same year may enable the production of a second brood, if conditions are favourable.