HELP INDEX NEXT UP PREVIOUS FEEDBACK ATG Appendicularian
Sorry, No Picture! Appendicularians are tiny sea animals related to sea-squirts. These transparent creatures never reach maturity but reach sexual maturity as juveniles. The loss of the adult phase coupled with juvenile reproduction is known as paedogenesis. Unlike the sea-squirt, the sessile appendicularian feeds by secreting a sticky mucus over its head which traps small plankton. This plankton is then eaten by the animal. Very small plankton matter remains trapped in the mucus and is not eaten by the appendicularian. In time this mucus membrane with excessive plankton stuck to it is cast off by the appendicularian. A new mucus cap is secreted for the next half hour and the appendicularian begins to feed again. [BM] {FW}
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