Abstract
A three months old clone of 76 asexually produced F2 Heterostegina depressa D'Obbigny, 1826 (Foraminifera) was subdivided into two groups which were cultivated for 5 months, one at 300 lux, the other at 600 lux. Nourishment was provided by symbiotic photosynthesizing algae. The 300-lux group added 1 whorl, the 600-lux group added 1/2 a whorl during the experiment, suggesting that the first group was nearer the optimum for growth than the second. Growth rates reacted but slowly to changes in environmental conditions. Also, specimens within the same culture dish showed great differences in response. In the 600-lux group, many specimens ceased to grow entirely, while others continued. Cessation of growth tends to produce a rounded test shape, by filling-in of the apertural angle, while rapid growth tends to be correlated with “flaring” tests (i.e., tests with an open spiral). In addition, there is a trend toward increased flaring during normal ontogenetic development. Shell damage is greater in rapidly growing individuals; walls are apparently thicker in slowly growing and in resting individuals. Ecological interpretation of morphological characteristics is hampered by: (1) a lag effect between growth response and environmental change; (2) slowing or termination of growth under stressful conditions with corresponding minor changes in morphology; (3) great variation in response between sibling individuals within the same culture dish; (4) aging effects.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature cited
Bandy, O. L.: General correlation of foraminiferal structure with environment. Int. geol. Congr. 21 22, 7–19 (1960).
Berger, W. H.: Planktonic foraminifera: basic morphology and ecologic implications. J. Paleont. 43 (6), 1369–1383 (1969).
— Planktonic foraminifera: differential production and expatriation off Baja California. Limnol. Oceanogr. 15 (2), 183–204 (1970).
— Planktonic foraminifera: sediment production in an oceanic front. J. foramin. Res. 1 (3), 95–118 (1971).
Bradshaw, J. S.: Laboratory experiments on the ecology of foraminifera. Contr. Cushman Fdn foramin. Res. 12 (3), 87–106 (1961).
Lutze, G. F.: Variatiosstatistik und Ökologie bei rezenten Foraminiferen. Paläont. Z. 36, 252–264 (1962).
— Statistical investigations on the variability of Bolivina argentea Cushman. Contr. Cushman Fdn foramin. Res. 15 (3), 105–116 (1964).
Rhumbler, L.: Die Foraminiferen (Thalamophoren) der Plankton-Expedition. Ergebnisse der Plankton Exped. der Humboldt-Stiftung III, L.C., 334 pp, Kiel: Lipsius & Tischer 1909.
Röttger, R.: Die Bedeutung der Symbiose von Heterostegina depressa (Foraminifera, Nummulitidae) für hohe Siedlungsdichte und Karbonatproduktion. Verh. dt. zool. Ges. (1972). (In press).
Sliter, W. V.: Laboratory experiments on the life cycle and ecologic controls of Rosalina globularis d'Orbigny. J. Protozool. 12 (2), 210–215 (1965).
— Bolivina doniezi Cushman and Wickenden in clone culture. Contr. Cushman Fdn foramin. Res. 21 (3), 87–99 (1970).
Smith, P. B.: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the family Bolivinidae. Prof. Pap. U.S. geol. Surv. 429-A, 1–35 (1963).
— Ecology of benthonic species. Prof. Pap. U.S. geol. Surv. 429-B, 1–55 (1964).
Theyer, F.: Variationsstatistische Untersuchungen zur Verbreitung der Gattung Bucella Andersen im südlichen Teil Südamerikas (Protozoa, Foraminifera). Zool. Jb. (Syst. Ökol. Geogr. Tiere) 8, 203–222 (1966).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by O. Kinne, Hamburg
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Röttger, R., Berger, W.H. Benthic Foraminifera: morphology and growth in clone cultures of Heterostegina depressa . Marine Biology 15, 89–94 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347440
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347440