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- Graptolites and Pterobranchs -
WEB PAGES NOT ONLY FOR GRAPTOLITERS
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PTEROBRANCH TUBE BUILDING: A CLUE TO PTEROBRANCH-GRAPTOLITE AFFINITIES
P. Noel DILLY
In: Bjerreskov, M. & Stouge, S. (Eds.) Third International Graptolite Conference Abstracts, 1985, 17.
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Cephalodiscus gracilis has been observed tube building, both in the natural state and after isolation from the coenecium.
Contrary to previous reports it appears that it is the mature adult that tube build most efficiently. The building involves
a considerable degree of dexterity by the cephalic shield. The track of zooids as they move across the coenecium are
frequently revealed by a streak of mucus-like material. Such tracks may well be the forerunners of the cortical bandages
of Crowther and Rickards. Experiments in which Cephalodiscus was induced to build a coenecium upon glass wool reveal
much of the earlier stages. Coenecial material appears to mature for several days after it has been secreted.
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GRAPTOLITE NET
is edited and periodically updated by
Dr Piotr Mierzejewski, Count of Calmont
since 2002
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