Related Words

Larva: A stage in the development of many insects and other organisms including sea urchins and sponges. In sponges, sexual reproduction results in the production of motile ciliated larvae.

Lecithotrophic Larva: A planktonic-dispersing larva that lives off yolk supplied via the egg

Planktotrophic Larva: Planktonic-dispersing larva that derives its nourishment by feeding in the plankton

Teleplanic Larva: Larva capable of dispersal over long distances, such as across oceans

Larvacea: A group of planktonic tunicates that secrete a gelatinous house, used to strain unsuitable particles (large particles are rejected). An inner filter apparatus of the house, the so-called foo . . . View Full Definition

Planula: The planktonic larval form produced by scleractinian corals and coelenterates

Recruitment: The residue of those larvae that have: (1) dispersed; (2) settled at the adult site; (3) made some final movements toward the adult habitat; (4) metamorphosed successfully, and (5) survived . . . View Full Definition

Marine Snow: Fragile organic aggregates, resulting from the collision of dissolved organic molecules or from the degradation of gelatinous substances such as larvacean houses. Usually enriched with micro . . . View Full Definition

Metamorphosis: The process of changing from one form to another; e.g., in insects, from the larval stage to the pupal stage to the reproductive adult stage.

Complex Life Cycle: A life cycle that consists of several distinct stages (e.g., larva and adult)