| Brachionus calyciflorus anuraeiformis, a variety with long spines (2) |
| |
 |
| Brachionus calyciflorus anuraeiformis, a variety with long spines (1) |
| If the carnivorous rotifer Asplanchna is present in the water B. calyciflorus develops long spines which function as a protection because with the spines the animal is too bulky to be engulfed by the predator. It has been shown that the growth of the spines is induced by a substance that is produced by Asplanchna itself. An interesting topic with developmental, genetic and ecological facets. |
| |
 |
| Brachionus calyciflorus anuraeiformis, another specimen showing the foot (2) |
| Location: Gevelsberg, Gruenes Klassenzimmer.pond (1); IG Metall Bildungszentrum, Sprockhövel, NRW, Germany; pond (2) |
| Habitat: plankton (1); (2) |
| Date: 24.08.2008 (1); 29.06.2013 (2) |
|
|
