Veliger: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:45, 10 February 2025

Larval stage of certain mollusks

The veliger is a larval stage in the development of certain mollusks, including gastropods and bivalves. This stage follows the trochophore stage and is characterized by the development of a ciliated structure known as the velum, which is used for swimming and feeding.

Development

The veliger stage is a critical phase in the life cycle of mollusks. During this stage, the larvae undergo significant morphological changes. The velum, a large ciliated lobe, is used for locomotion and feeding. The veliger also begins to develop the shell and other adult structures.

Shell Formation

In the veliger stage, the initial formation of the shell occurs. This process is crucial for the protection and structural support of the developing mollusk. The shell begins as a simple structure and gradually becomes more complex as the veliger matures.

Metamorphosis

The transition from the veliger stage to the juvenile stage involves metamorphosis. During this process, the velum is resorbed, and the organism settles to the substrate, where it continues its development into an adult.

Ecological Role

Veligers play a significant role in the marine ecosystem. As planktonic organisms, they are an essential part of the food web, serving as prey for a variety of marine animals. Their distribution and abundance can influence the population dynamics of adult mollusks.

Research and Study

The study of veligers provides insights into the developmental biology of mollusks. Researchers often use veligers to understand the effects of environmental changes on marine life, as they are sensitive indicators of water quality and ecosystem health.

Related pages

References

Barnes, R.D. (1987). Invertebrate Zoology. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders College Publishing.
Ruppert, E.E., Fox, R.S., & Barnes, R.D. (2004). Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Evolutionary Approach. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Gallery

9-day-old veliger larva of the nudibranch Tritonia diomedea
Veliger of Dolabrifera
Fiona pinnata veliger
Fiona pinnata veliger
Fiona pinnata veliger
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}}
+{{Taxobox}}
-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, including [[gastropods]] and [[bivalves]]. This stage follows the [[trochophore]] stage 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 mollusks. During this stage, the larvae undergo significant morphological changes. The velum, a large ciliated lobe, is used for locomotion and feeding. The veliger also begins to develop the [[shell]] and other adult structures.
-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.
+===Shell Formation===
+In the veliger stage, the initial formation of the shell occurs. This process is crucial for the protection and structural support of the developing mollusk. The shell begins as a simple structure and gradually becomes more complex as the veliger matures.
-=== Feeding and Locomotion ===
+===Metamorphosis===
+The transition from the veliger stage to the juvenile stage involves metamorphosis. During this process, the velum is resorbed, and the organism settles to the substrate, where it continues its development into an adult.
-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.
+==Ecological Role==
+Veligers play a significant role in the marine ecosystem. As planktonic organisms, they are an essential part of the food web, serving as prey for a variety of marine animals. Their distribution and abundance can influence the population dynamics of adult mollusks.
-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.
+==Research and Study==
+The study of veligers provides insights into the developmental biology of mollusks. Researchers often use veligers to understand the effects of environmental changes on marine life, as they are sensitive indicators of water quality and ecosystem health.
-=== Importance in Mollusk Life Cycle ===
+==Related pages==
+* [[Mollusca]]
+* [[Gastropoda]]
+* [[Bivalvia]]
+* [[Larva]]
-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.
+==References==
+* Barnes, R.D. (1987). ''Invertebrate Zoology''. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders College Publishing.
+* Ruppert, E.E., Fox, R.S., & Barnes, R.D. (2004). ''Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Evolutionary Approach''. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
-=== Examples of Veliger Larvae ===
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:9d_old_veliger_larva_of_the_nudibranch_Tritonia_diomedea.jpg|9-day-old veliger larva of the nudibranch ''Tritonia diomedea''
+File:Dolabrifera5.jpg|Veliger of ''Dolabrifera''
+File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger_8.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger
+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
+File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger
+File:Fiona_pinnata_veliger_2.png|''Fiona pinnata'' veliger
+</gallery>
-[[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).
+[[Category:Mollusc larval stages]]
-[[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]]).
-=== References ===
-. 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.
-. Young, C. M., & Chia, F. S. (1984). Larval development and metamorphosis of the gastropod Crepidula adunca. Marine Biology, 78(2), 157-168.
-== See Also ==
-* [[Gastropod]]
-* [[Bivalve]]
-* [[Metamorphosis]]
-* [[Plankton]]
-* [[Mollusk]]
-[[Category:Mollusks]]
-[[Category:Larvae]]
-[[Category:Developmental biology]]
-[[Category:Zoology]]
-[[Category:Marine biology]]
-[[Category:Ecology]]