Veliger: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:52, 23 March 2025

Larval stage of certain mollusks

The veliger is a larval stage in the development of certain mollusks, particularly within the classes Gastropoda and Bivalvia. This stage follows the trochophore larva and is characterized by the development of a ciliated structure known as the velum, which is used for swimming and feeding.

Development[edit]

The veliger stage is a critical phase in the life cycle of many mollusks. During this stage, the larva undergoes significant morphological changes that prepare it for its transition to a juvenile and eventually an adult form. The velum, a distinctive feature of the veliger, is a lobed, ciliated structure that facilitates locomotion and feeding in the planktonic environment.

Morphology[edit]

The veliger larva possesses a shell, which is often coiled in gastropods and bivalves. The shell provides protection and is an important feature that distinguishes the veliger from earlier larval stages. The velum is used to capture food particles from the water, and its cilia beat in a coordinated fashion to create water currents that bring food to the larva.

Metamorphosis[edit]

As the veliger matures, it undergoes metamorphosis, a process that involves the reorganization of its body structure to form the adult morphology. This includes the development of the foot, the reduction or loss of the velum, and the further development of the shell and other adult structures.

Ecological Role[edit]

Veligers play a crucial role in the dispersal of mollusk species. As planktonic larvae, they can be carried by ocean currents over long distances, allowing for the colonization of new habitats. This dispersal capability is essential for the survival and genetic diversity of mollusk populations.

Examples of Veligers[edit]

Nudibranchs[edit]

Nudibranchs, a group of soft-bodied, marine gastropod mollusks, often have a veliger stage in their development. The veliger of the nudibranch Tritonia diomedea is an example of this larval form.

Bivalves[edit]

Many bivalves, such as clams and oysters, also have a veliger stage. This stage is crucial for their life cycle, as it allows for the wide dispersal of the species in marine environments.

Related Pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Fiona pinnata veliger
Fiona pinnata veliger
Fiona pinnata veliger
Fiona pinnata veliger
Fiona pinnata veliger

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-== Veliger ==
+{{Short description|Larval stage of certain mollusks}}
-A veliger is a larval stage in the life cycle of certain mollusks, particularly gastropods and bivalves. It is characterized by the presence of a distinct velum, a ciliated structure used for locomotion and feeding. The veliger stage is an important transitional phase in the development of these mollusks, as it marks the transition from a planktonic existence to a benthic lifestyle.
+The '''veliger''' is a larval stage in the development of certain mollusks, particularly within the classes [[Gastropoda]] and [[Bivalvia]]. This stage follows the [[trochophore]] larva and is characterized by the development of a ciliated structure known as the velum, which is used for swimming and feeding.
-=== Anatomy and Development ===
+==Development==
+The veliger stage is a critical phase in the life cycle of many mollusks. During this stage, the larva undergoes significant morphological changes that prepare it for its transition to a juvenile and eventually an adult form. The velum, a distinctive feature of the veliger, is a lobed, ciliated structure that facilitates locomotion and feeding in the planktonic environment.
-The veliger larva typically has a well-defined head region, with a pair of eyes and a mouth surrounded by cilia. The velum, located on the dorsal side of the larva, is a thin, transparent structure that aids in swimming and capturing food particles. As the veliger grows, it undergoes a series of morphological changes, eventually developing into the juvenile form of the mollusk.
+[[File:9d_old_veliger_larva_of_the_nudibranch_Tritonia_diomedea.jpg|9-day-old veliger larva of the nudibranch ''Tritonia diomedea''|thumb|right]]
-=== Feeding and Locomotion ===
+===Morphology===
+The veliger larva possesses a shell, which is often coiled in gastropods and bivalves. The shell provides protection and is an important feature that distinguishes the veliger from earlier larval stages. The velum is used to capture food particles from the water, and its cilia beat in a coordinated fashion to create water currents that bring food to the larva.
-The velum plays a crucial role in the feeding and locomotion of the veliger larva. The cilia on the velum create a current that draws in water and suspended particles, which are then directed towards the mouth for ingestion. This feeding mechanism allows the veliger to obtain nutrients necessary for its growth and development.
+===Metamorphosis===
+As the veliger matures, it undergoes metamorphosis, a process that involves the reorganization of its body structure to form the adult morphology. This includes the development of the foot, the reduction or loss of the velum, and the further development of the shell and other adult structures.
-In terms of locomotion, the velum acts as a propeller, enabling the larva to move through the water column. By beating its cilia in a coordinated manner, the veliger can control its direction and speed of movement. This ability to actively swim allows the larva to disperse and explore its environment.
+==Ecological Role==
+Veligers play a crucial role in the dispersal of mollusk species. As planktonic larvae, they can be carried by ocean currents over long distances, allowing for the colonization of new habitats. This dispersal capability is essential for the survival and genetic diversity of mollusk populations.
-=== Importance in Mollusk Life Cycle ===
+[[File:Dolabrifera5.jpg|Veliger of ''Dolabrifera''|thumb|left]]
-The veliger stage is a critical phase in the life cycle of mollusks, as it represents a transition from a free-swimming larva to a benthic juvenile. During this stage, the veliger undergoes metamorphosis, where it undergoes significant changes in its body structure and behavior. These changes prepare the larva for its settlement onto a suitable substrate, where it will continue its growth and development.
+==Examples of Veligers==
-=== Examples of Veliger Larvae ===
+===Nudibranchs===
+Nudibranchs, a group of soft-bodied, marine gastropod mollusks, often have a veliger stage in their development. The veliger of the nudibranch ''Tritonia diomedea'' is an example of this larval form.
-[[Gastropods]] such as snails and slugs have veliger larvae. These larvae are typically planktonic and can be found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Some well-known gastropod species with veliger larvae include the common garden snail ([[Helix aspersa]]) and the marine cone snail ([[Conus]] species).
+===Bivalves===
+Many bivalves, such as clams and oysters, also have a veliger stage. This stage is crucial for their life cycle, as it allows for the wide dispersal of the species in marine environments.
-[[Bivalves]] such as clams, mussels, and oysters also have veliger larvae. These larvae are usually planktonic and are released into the water column by adult bivalves for dispersal. Examples of bivalves with veliger larvae include the blue mussel ([[Mytilus edulis]]) and the Pacific oyster ([[Crassostrea gigas]]).
+[[File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger_8.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger|thumb|right]]
-=== References ===
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Trochophore]]
+* [[Gastropoda]]
+* [[Bivalvia]]
+* [[Mollusca]]
-. Smith, S. A., & Strathmann, R. R. (2008). Larval feeding and the acquisition of competence to settle and metamorphose in the nudibranch Phestilla sibogae. Biological Bulletin, 215(1), 98-108.
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger_7.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger
+File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger_6.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger
+File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger_5.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger
+File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger_4.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger
+File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger_3.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger
+</gallery>
-. Young, C. M., & Chia, F. S. (1984). Larval development and metamorphosis of the gastropod Crepidula adunca. Marine Biology, 78(2), 157-168.
+{{Mollusc-stub}}
-== See Also ==
+[[Category:Mollusc anatomy]]
-* [[Gastropod]]
-* [[Bivalve]]
-* [[Metamorphosis]]
-* [[Plankton]]
-* [[Mollusk]]
-[[Category:Mollusks]]
 [[Category:Larvae]]
-[[Category:Developmental biology]]
-[[Category:Zoology]]
-[[Category:Marine biology]]
-[[Category:Ecology]]