Skip to main content
Fig. 5 | BMC Evolutionary Biology

Fig. 5

From: Metamorphic remodeling of morphology and the body cavity in Phoronopsis harmeri (Lophotrochozoa, Phoronida): the evolution of the phoronid body plan and life cycle

Fig. 5

First steps of metamorphosis of Phoronopsis harmeri accordingly to SEM. In all photographs, apical is to the top. a Metamorphic animal with completely everted metasomal sac: stage about 1 min after the onset of metamorphosis. Difference in organization of the trunk epithelium allows to mark several zones: anterior trunk part, posterior trunk part, and ampulla. b Metamorphic animal with degenerated preoral lobe, huge posterior bulge, and continuous rope of postoral ciliated band. Stage about 10–12 min after the onset of metamorphosis. c Metamorphic animal is eating the preoral lobe. Macerated epithelium of the preoral lobe is involved into the mouth. d Metamorphic animal without the preoral lobe. e Metamorphic animal at stage of formation and eating of the continuous rope of postoral ciliated band. Abbreviations: am – ampulla; atp – anterior trunk part; m – mouth; pb – posterior bulge; pl – preoral lobe; ptp – posterior trunk part; rpb – rope of postoral ciliated band

Back to article page

BMC Ecology and Evolution

ISSN: 2730-7182

Contact us