Ref ID : 6116
Janne Salminen and Jari Haimi; The asexual enchytraeid worm Cognettia sphagnetorum (Oligochaeta) has increased Cu resistance in polluted soil. Environmental Pollution 113:221-224, 2001
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We studied Cu resistance in the asexual (reproduction through fragmentation) enchyraeid worms (Cognettia sphagnetorum, Oligochaeta) originating from two sites: one uncontaminated, and another contaminated by heavy metals. Adult worms were smaller and population density was lower at the polluted site. However, adults from the contaminated site had better survival in Cu-contaminated soil, but lower survival a juveniles (fragments). As we do not know the genetic basis of Cu resistance of the worms, it may have been reached by acclimatization via induced Cu regulation. Because fragmentation is the only mode of reproduction, all phenotypic properties (including resistance) of a parental generation could be transferred to filial generations.