Sipunculans were once grouped with the annelids, even though they lack segmentation and bristles on the body. Later, Sipunculans were grouped with the molluscs because of similar developmental and larval characteristics. Sipunculans are now in their own phylum, but the close relationship between molluscs and annelids is still recognized.
Sipunculans have been recognized for their role in bioerosion of coral reefs and as an indicator of environmental health. They are also an important food source for fish and invertebrates.
References
Lester B. Peason College. "Phascolosoma agassizii". Racerocks. 7 December 2002.
Miller, Kenneth R. and Joseph Levine. Biology. 4th ed. Upper Sadle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1998.
Pearse, Viki., and others. Living Invertebrates. Boston, Massachusetts:Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1987.
Rice, Mary E. "Possible Boring Structures of Sipunculids". Integrative and Comparative Biology. 1969.
Ruppert, Edward, E., Richard S. Fox and Robert D. Barnes. Invertebrate Zoology: A functional evolutionary approach.
7th ed. Belmont, CA: Thompson Brooks/Cole, 2004.
Miller, Kenneth R. and Joseph Levine. Biology. 4th ed. Upper Sadle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1998.
Pearse, Viki., and others. Living Invertebrates. Boston, Massachusetts:Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1987.
Rice, Mary E. "Possible Boring Structures of Sipunculids". Integrative and Comparative Biology. 1969.
Ruppert, Edward, E., Richard S. Fox and Robert D. Barnes. Invertebrate Zoology: A functional evolutionary approach.
7th ed. Belmont, CA: Thompson Brooks/Cole, 2004.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)