Shell morphogenesis of several venerid bivalves

摘要

Morphogenetic series of venerids Protothaca euglypta, Ruditapes philippinarum, and Callista brevisiphotlata were constructed to determine the morphological criteria for identification of their larvae and juveniles from 0.2 up to 1.5-2.0 mm shell length. Larvae, post-larvae, and juveniles were reared in the laboratory and collected from plankton and benthic samples. The important distinguishing characters (shell outlines, provincular denticles, sequence of cardinal teeth formation, recapitulative sculpture, and others) of venerid bivalves in different stages of development are presented. Morphogenetic series can provide the basis for the phylogenetic reconstruction and be a successful aid in solving the problems of identification and ecology of bivalves in early stages of their ontogeny.