STUDIES ON THE SIZES, SHAPES, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LORICA OF AGGLUTINATED TINTINNIDA

Abstract

The Tintinnida of the Woods Hole, Massachusetts [USA] region were identified during 2 consecutive summers; loricae of 11 spp. of the agglutinated variety were studied by scanning EM. There were distinct differences in the types of particles utilized. In some species quartz was incorporated almost to the exclusion of all other minerals. Biogenic particles such as fragments of diatom frustules, protozoan shells, and coccoliths were conspicuous on a number of species. This observable difference in the nature of the agglutinated particles is probably significant at the generic level. Variability in the sizes and shapes of the lorica of Tintinnopsis acuminata and T. dadayi are discussed in relation to cell growth and lorica developmental processes.