Acta Palaeontologica Polonica

Some aspects of coloniality in corals

Jerzy Fedorowski

Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 25 (3-4), 1980: 429-437

Blastogeny in Anthozoa was compared to the parallel process in Hydrozoa with a brief discussion on the cells reorganization and genetic control of the process. Discussion on astogeny was restricted to fusion of corallltes and colonies with some' attention being paid to the regeneration within colonies. Four types of fusion were discussed: 1. fusion within coenenchymal colonies, regarded as a self-regulation. 2, 3. fusion within fasciculate colonies and fusion of solitary corals, interpreted as being connected with a reproductive cells exchange; 4. fusion of coenenchymal colonies, thought to be a sample of interspecific aggression. Formation of gregaria was briefly discussed as a phenomenon similar to coloniality.

Key words: Corals, coloniality, gregaria.


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