Zygogenetic and parthenogenetic Artemia in Cadiz sea-side salterns
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more
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Keywords |
Environmental effects Environmental effects > Salinity effects Environmental effects > Temperature effects Hermaphroditism Reproduction > Parthenogenesis Artemia Leach, 1819 [WoRMS] Marine/Coastal |
Abstract |
Two different forms of Artemia coexist in salterns on the Atlantic shore of South West Spain near Cadiz: a bisexual or zygogenetic strain and a parthenogenetic strain. The relative frequency of the 2 types may vary with the season and is governed by unknown ecological factors. Laboratory experiments and observations made on salterns suggest that the bisexual and parthenogenetic forms vary in frequency during the year according to temperature and salinity changes. From late spring to late autumn, parthenogenetic forms are dominant. After the November rains, bisexual or zygogenetic individuals appear, competing with the parthenogenetic form and becoming more numerous during winter. A marked ecological advantage exists for the bisexual strain in low temperatures and salinities; parthenogenetic strain(s) are better adapted to higher temperatures and salinities. |
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