Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Applied to a New Species Helps Understand the Functioning of the Reproductive Apparatus in Stylet-Bearing <i>Urodasys</i> (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida)
Gastrotrichs are highly diverse and abundant in all aquatic ecosystems; however, they are often overlooked. During a biodiversity survey in Sardinia (Italy), a new species of gastrotrich herein described was discovered. Specimens of <i>Urodasys bifidostylis</i> sp. nov. were found in san...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2023-03-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/6/1106 |
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| author | Agata Cesaretti Francesca Leasi M. Antonio Todaro |
| author_facet | Agata Cesaretti Francesca Leasi M. Antonio Todaro |
| author_sort | Agata Cesaretti |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Gastrotrichs are highly diverse and abundant in all aquatic ecosystems; however, they are often overlooked. During a biodiversity survey in Sardinia (Italy), a new species of gastrotrich herein described was discovered. Specimens of <i>Urodasys bifidostylis</i> sp. nov. were found in sandy sediments from two submarine caves. Using an integrative approach of traditional light (DIC) and high-resolution (CLSM) microscopies, we herein reveal, for the first time, the fine structure and function of the reproductive organ in an <i>Urodasys</i> representative. This is particularly relevant considering the complex reproductive organs and strategies of this group. Results allow comparisons between the reproductive apparatus and sperm transfer modalities in <i>Urodasys</i> and the closely related genus <i>Macrodasys</i>. One similarity is that both groups transfer male gametes in packets, suggesting the production of spermatophores to be a common phenomenon in Gastrotricha. Unique to <i>Urodasys</i> is the ability of multiple and consecutive copulations and sperm transfers and, differently than <i>Macrodasys</i>, the transfer of sperms unlikely occurs simultaneously between the two hermaphroditic partners. These findings provide new insights into the reproductive strategies of <i>Urodasys</i> and are expected to advance future studies on the evolution of reproductive strategies and the rise of interspecific reproductive barriers in interstitial meiofauna. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T05:45:32Z |
| format | Article |
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| issn | 2073-4441 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T05:45:32Z |
| publishDate | 2023-03-01 |
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| spelling | doaj.art-2de2590650e14c0fa54f6b890cf2349d2023-11-17T14:26:33ZengMDPI AGWater2073-44412023-03-01156110610.3390/w15061106Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Applied to a New Species Helps Understand the Functioning of the Reproductive Apparatus in Stylet-Bearing <i>Urodasys</i> (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida)Agata Cesaretti0Francesca Leasi1M. Antonio Todaro2Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, ItalyDepartment of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USADepartment of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, ItalyGastrotrichs are highly diverse and abundant in all aquatic ecosystems; however, they are often overlooked. During a biodiversity survey in Sardinia (Italy), a new species of gastrotrich herein described was discovered. Specimens of <i>Urodasys bifidostylis</i> sp. nov. were found in sandy sediments from two submarine caves. Using an integrative approach of traditional light (DIC) and high-resolution (CLSM) microscopies, we herein reveal, for the first time, the fine structure and function of the reproductive organ in an <i>Urodasys</i> representative. This is particularly relevant considering the complex reproductive organs and strategies of this group. Results allow comparisons between the reproductive apparatus and sperm transfer modalities in <i>Urodasys</i> and the closely related genus <i>Macrodasys</i>. One similarity is that both groups transfer male gametes in packets, suggesting the production of spermatophores to be a common phenomenon in Gastrotricha. Unique to <i>Urodasys</i> is the ability of multiple and consecutive copulations and sperm transfers and, differently than <i>Macrodasys</i>, the transfer of sperms unlikely occurs simultaneously between the two hermaphroditic partners. These findings provide new insights into the reproductive strategies of <i>Urodasys</i> and are expected to advance future studies on the evolution of reproductive strategies and the rise of interspecific reproductive barriers in interstitial meiofauna.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/6/1106biodiversityCLSMmeiofaunareproductionspermatophorestaxonomy |
| spellingShingle | Agata Cesaretti Francesca Leasi M. Antonio Todaro Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Applied to a New Species Helps Understand the Functioning of the Reproductive Apparatus in Stylet-Bearing <i>Urodasys</i> (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) Water biodiversity CLSM meiofauna reproduction spermatophores taxonomy |
| title | Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Applied to a New Species Helps Understand the Functioning of the Reproductive Apparatus in Stylet-Bearing <i>Urodasys</i> (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) |
| title_full | Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Applied to a New Species Helps Understand the Functioning of the Reproductive Apparatus in Stylet-Bearing <i>Urodasys</i> (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) |
| title_fullStr | Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Applied to a New Species Helps Understand the Functioning of the Reproductive Apparatus in Stylet-Bearing <i>Urodasys</i> (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Applied to a New Species Helps Understand the Functioning of the Reproductive Apparatus in Stylet-Bearing <i>Urodasys</i> (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) |
| title_short | Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Applied to a New Species Helps Understand the Functioning of the Reproductive Apparatus in Stylet-Bearing <i>Urodasys</i> (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) |
| title_sort | confocal laser scanning microscopy applied to a new species helps understand the functioning of the reproductive apparatus in stylet bearing i urodasys i gastrotricha macrodasyida |
| topic | biodiversity CLSM meiofauna reproduction spermatophores taxonomy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/6/1106 |
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