Zur Evolution der Larvenformen der Bivalvia (Mollusca): Ein high-tech-mikromorphologischer Vergleich

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gerhard Haszprunar
• Subject Area: Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
• Term: from 2007 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 34384108

The comparative-ontogenetic data on various molluscan groups, which have been generated by application of a broad methodology within the foregoing projects, should be widened concerning the protobranch Bivalvia. The remaining main topic is the clarification of the status of the pericalymma larva of the Protobranchia. Representatives of the respective taxa (mainly Nuculidae) will be collected alive and their larva will be bred. The various stages will be investigated by several high-tech morphological (light- and electron microscopy, computer-aided 3D-reconstruction, fluorescence labeling) methods. Objectives are: (1) Show the myo- und (2) in parts also neurogenesis of the different larval types by fluorescent dyes coupled with Confocal-Laser- Scanning-Microscopy (CLSM). Provide SEM/TEM-data on the (3) prototroch and on larval (4) sensory and (5) excretory organs and compare them with homologous structures in other molluscan classes. (6) Summarize the data to provide an evolutionary phylogeny (evo-devo) of Bivalvia and beyond. The main objectives have direct consequences for the bivalvian phylogeny and for a new framework about the origin and evolutionary history of the phylum Mollusca.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants