Abstract
The process of reproduction (multiple fission) of the megalospheric gamont of Heterostegina depressa d'Orbigny, 1826 (Nummulitidae) is described. During this process, the protoplasm separates outside the parent test into the juveniles. The initial chambers receive some of the symbiotic algae from the parent protoplasm. The second chamber develops from the initial chamber by division, not by growth. The newly formed 2-chamber-stage receives a second set of symbiotic algae from the parent residual protoplasm. Thereafter, calcification takes place, and the first ectoplasm sheath is formed. The problem of alternation of generations is discussed. From the very small proportion of microspheric individuals found in Heterostegina species (fossil and recent) it is concluded that gamogony has been greatly reduced.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature cited
Arnol, Z.M.: Life history and cytology of the foraminiferan Allogromia laticollaris. Univ. Calif. Publs Zool. 61, 167–252 (1955)
Föyn, B.: foraminiferenstudien II. Zur Kenntnis der asexuellen Fortpflanzung und der Entwicklung der Gamonten von Discorbina vilardeboana d'Orbigny. Bergens Mus. Årb. (Naturvidens. rek.) 5, 1–16 (1937)
Freudenthal, T.: Stratigraphy of neogene deposits in the Khania Province, Crete, with special reference to foraminifera of the family Planorbulinidae and the genus Heterostegina. Utrecht micropalaeont. Bull. 1, 1–208 (1969)
Grell, K.G.: Der Generationswechsel der polythalmen Foraminifere rotaliella heterocaryotica. Arch. Protistenk. 100, 268–286 (1954)
— Untersuchungen über die Fortpflanzung und Sexualität der Foraminiferen. I. Rotaliella roscoffensis. Arch. Protistenk. 102, 147–164 (1957)
— Untersuchungen über die Fortpflanzung und Sexualität der Foraminiferen. II. Rubratella intermedia. Arch. Protistenk. 102, 291–308 (1958a)
—: Untersuchungen über die Fortpflanzung und Sexualität der Foraminiferen. III. Glabratella sulcata. Arch. Protistenk. 102, 449–472 (1958b)
—: Untersuchungen über die Fortpflanzung und Sexualität der Foraminiferen. IV. Patellina corrugata. Arch. Protistenk. 104, 211–235 (1959)
Hofker, J.: The foraminifera of the Siboga Expedition, Pt. I. Siboga Exped. 4, 1–78 (1927)
— Studies of Foraminifera Pt. 3. Publtiës natuurh. Genoot. Limburg 21, 1–202 (1971)
Le Calvez, J.: Recherches sur les foraminifères. 2. Place de la méiose et sexualité. Archs Zool. exp. gén. 87, 211–243 (1950)
Lister, J.J.: The Foraminifera. In: A treatise on zoology. Pt. I. Introduction and Protozoa, 2nd fasticle. pp 47–149. Ed. by E.R. Lankester. London: Adam & Charles Black 1903
Lutze, G.F., B. Grabert und E. Seibold: Lebendbeobachtungen an Groß-Foraminiferen (Heterostegina) aus dem Persischen Golf. “Meteor” Forsch-Ergebn. (C) 6, 21–40 (1971)
Myers, E.H.: The life-history of Patellina corrugata. Bull. Scripps Instn Oceanogr. tech. Ser. 3, 355–392 (1935)
— The life-cycle of Spirillina vivipara Ehrenberg, with notes on morphogenesis, systematics and distribution of foraminifera. Jl R. microsc. Soc. (Ser. 3) 56, 120–146 (1936)
— Observations on the origin and fate of flagellated gametes in multiple tests of Discorbis (Foraminifera). J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 24, 201–230 (1940)
— Biology, ecology and morphogenesis of a pelagic foraminifer. Stanford Univ. Publs (Biol. Sci.) 9, 3–30 (1943)
Nyholm, K.-G.: Morphogenesis and biology of the forminifer Cibicides lobatulus. Zool. Bidr. Upps. 33, 157–196 (1961)
Papp, A. and K. Küpper: The genus Heterostegina in the upper tertiary of Europe. Contr. Cushman Fdn foramin. Res. 5, 108–127 (1954)
Ross, C.A.: Biology and ecology of Marginopora vertebralis (Foraminifera), Great Barrier Reef. J. Protozool. 19, 181–192 (1972)
Röttger, R.: Die Kultur von Heterostegina depressa (Foraminifera: Nummulitidae). Mar. Biol. 15, 150–159 (1972)
— Die Ektoplasmahülle von Heterostegina depressa (Foraminifera: Nummulitidae). Mar. Biol. 21, 127–138 (1973)
Sliter, W.V.: Bolivina doniezi Cushman and Wickenden in clone culture. Contr. Cushman Fdn foramin. Res. 21, 87–99 (1970)
Spindler, M. und R. Röttger: Der Kammerbauvorgang der Großforaminifere Heterostegina depressa (Nummulitidae). Mar. Biol. 18, 146–159 (1973)
Weber, H.: Über die Paarung der Gamonten und den Kerndualismus der Foraminifere Metarotaliella parva Grell. Arch. Protistenk. 108, 217–270 (1965)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by O. Kinne, Hamburg
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Röttger, R. Larger foraminifera: Reproduction and early stages of development in Heterostegina depressa . Mar. Biol. 26, 5–12 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00389081
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00389081