Reproduction


Floating free in the coelom are developing gametes. Most sipunculids reproduce sexually. They are also broadcast spawners, releasing their gametes to be spawned in the sea. As in annelids, the fertilized egg undergoes spiral cleavage. A free-swimming trochophore larvae usually develops. In some sipunculans, the trochophore larvae is followed by a large rounded larval stage. It may feed on plankton or stored yolk. The larvae eventually settles and develops into the adult. Some sipunculids reproduce asexually by unequal body division or budding. Sipunculans are quite good at regeneration. Some sipunculans can regenerate dammaged tentacles, or even regenerate trunk or digestive regions.

No comments: