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| Observations on burrowing behavior in Limulus polyphemus (Chelicerata, Merostomata), with implications on the functional anatomy of trilobites. American Museum novitates ; no. 2436 |
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| Title: | Observations on burrowing behavior in Limulus polyphemus (Chelicerata, Merostomata), with implications on the functional anatomy of trilobites. American Museum novitates ; no. 2436 |
| Other Titles: | Chelicerata, Merostomata |
| Authors: | Eldredge, Niles. |
| Issue Date: | 1970 |
| Publisher: | New York, N.Y. : American Museum of Natural History |
| Series/Report no.: | American Museum novitates ; no. 2436 |
| Abstract: | "The functional morphology of burrowing was investigated in Limulus polyphemus with particular attention paid to the role played by the dorsal setae and prosomal shape. The burial process can be broken down into four discrete stages. Stage 1 involves active burial by downward flexion of the prosoma and a promotor-remotor swing (normal walking) by the prosomal legs. Sand is forced over the prosoma and anterior one-third of the opisthosoma, and a channel between these two structures is kept clear. Stage 2 involves no further burial, but rather active intake of water through one or both channels, deflection of the current back toward the gills underneath the opisthosoma, and expulsion of the current under one or both posterior opisthosomal projections. Stage 3 is the final burial phase and is effected both by forward walking and forceful flapping of the opisthosoma into the substratum; burial ceases when the last posterior opisthosomal projection is finally buried. The telson is covered t... |
| Description: | 17 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. 17). |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/2246/2646 |
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