Morphologic characterization of the ice worm Mesenchytraeus solifugus

Ice worms occupy a unique position in metazoan phylogeny in that they are the only known annelid that completes its life cycle in ice. The mechanism(s) associated with this adaptation are likely to occur at different levels, ranging from modification of their metabolism to changes in morphology. In...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of morphology (1931) 2000-12, Vol.246 (3), p.192-197
Main Authors: Shain, Daniel H., Carter, Melissa R., Murray, Kurt P., Maleski, Karen A., Smith, Nancy R., McBride, Taresha R., Michalewicz, Lisa A., Saidel, William M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alaska
Animals
annelid
Annelida - ultrastructure
electron microscopy
enchytraeid
evolution
Head
head pore
Ice
Sense Organs - ultrastructure
setae
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Summary:Ice worms occupy a unique position in metazoan phylogeny in that they are the only known annelid that completes its life cycle in ice. The mechanism(s) associated with this adaptation are likely to occur at different levels, ranging from modification of their metabolism to changes in morphology. In this study, we examined specimens of Mesenchytraeus solifugus by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in an effort to identify morphologic structures that may aid in its glacial habitation. We report that M. solifugus contains an elongated head pore at the tip of its prostomium, numerous sensory structures, and differentially oriented setae that curve abruptly at their distal end. J. Morphol. 246:192–197, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ISSN:0362-2525
1097-4687
DOI:10.1002/1097-4687(200012)246:3<192::AID-JMOR3>3.0.CO;2-B