How to translate text using browser tools
1 March 2012 Asexual Reproduction of Pliocene Solitary Scleractinian Coral Truncatoflabellum: A Morphological and Biometric Study
Yuki Tokuda, YOICHI EZAKI
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Truncatoflabellum has been considered a free-living genus that exhibits both sexual and asexual phases; divided lower coralla (anthocauli) are specialized for asexual reproduction by transverse division through a decalcification process, whereas the upper coralla (anthocyathi) only undertake sexual reproduction, in a life-cycle strategy that includes a distinct alternation of generations. However, little evidence has been presented to support this idea of its life cycle. We elucidate the life mode of Truncatoflabellum by identifying key fossil characters (e.g., multiple rejuvenations and decalcification records just beneath lateral spines) and statistically analyzing the size distributions of over 500 individual coralla. Results of those morphological and biometric analyses clearly indicate alternation of generations in the life cycle of Truncatoflabellum.

The Paleontological Society
Yuki Tokuda and YOICHI EZAKI "Asexual Reproduction of Pliocene Solitary Scleractinian Coral Truncatoflabellum: A Morphological and Biometric Study," Journal of Paleontology 86(2), 268-272, (1 March 2012). https://doi.org/10.1666/10-088.1
Accepted: 1 September 2011; Published: 1 March 2012
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top