Ref ID : 1045
Pierre Clement; Movements in rotifers: correlations of ultrastructure and behavior. Hydrobiologia 147:339-359, 1987
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In this review, original observations on rotifer cilia and muscles are used to explain the mechanism of their movements. The following topics are discussed: (1) cilia and infraciliature of the cingulum, (2) muscle insertions into the infraciliature, (3) innervation of the muscles and non-innervation of the ciliated cells, (4) recent data on the location of gap junctions which link some muscles, (5) cilia and infraciliature of the cirri of the pseudotrochus of Brachionus calyciflorus, and the insertion of muscles onto their infraciliature, (6) the relation between muscles and integument in the foot of Philodina roseola, (7) the relation between muscles and integument in the joint present at the base of the tail of Trichocerca rattus, and (8) hypotheses on the first articulated (muscle- integument) movements which exist alongside ciliary motion in certain rotifers. Neuro- ethological summaries, based on data of the effectors and on observations on behaviour and the sensitivity of rotifer sensory receptors (reviewed in Clement et al., 1983), are attempted. A more complete anaysis is provided in the following instances: (1) swimming and the mechanism of turning, (2) retraction of the rotatory apparatus, (3) feeding behaviour in Trichocerca rattus involving the succession swimming, crawling and nutrient intake. Other behavioral sequences, for which the ethological and ultrastructural data are incomplete, are presented and briefly discussed. Lastly, the argument is put forward that rotifers constitute an exceptional model for comparative, neuro-ethological studies which may enable us to better understand the mechanisms of evolution. Carrying out detailed observations, aimed at understanding how certain movements occur, should enable us to gain insights into the question of why they exist.