Ref ID : 2871
D.N. Saksena; Form Variation in Indian Loricate Rotifers. Bulletin of Pure & Applied Science 3A(2):80-91, 1984
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The subject of form variation in Indian loricate rotifers has been reviewed in this article. Various environmental factors responsible for the seasonal form variation have also been critically discussed. Four loricate viz., Brachionus calyciflorus, Keratella tropica, K. valga and Platyias patulus from Indian waters are reported to exhibit this phenomenon. In tropical climate, it is evident that the temperature is not a key factor while nutrients, pH, dissolved oxygen and food material are influencing directly the seasonal growth and development of rotifers. Interspecific competition has a decisive role in bringing about morphological form variation at least in B. calyciflorus and K. tropica. Inhabiting Asplanchna spp. in the case of B. calyciflorus and diaptomid population in the case of K. tropica influence the morphological variation. The seasonal variation in rotifers has been referred as largely non genetic in origin. Though many divergent views have been put forth regarding the occurrence of form variation but a simple and convincing explanation is yet to be found out.