Methods for Testing Ontogenetic Changes of Neanic Chamberlets in Lepidocyclinids

Abstract

The shapes of neanic chamberlets in equatorial sections of lepidocyclinids can be described by a set of measurements, allowing their complete geometric reconstruction. The approach provides the base for further investigation of test growth (including environmental perturbations of growth) of species determined by their nepionts. Ontogenetic changes in neanic chambers can be demonstrated using the character averages of annular rows calculated over row numbers. Fitting by regression analyses, function constants can then be used as growth-independent traits characterizing the growth of lepidocyclinid species after the development of their embryonic apparatus’.