Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sipunculids are relatively common, and live in shallow waters, either in burrows or in discarded shells like hermit crabs do. Some bore into solid rocks to make a shelter for themselves. Although typically less than 10 cm long, some sipunculans may reach several times that length.Asexual and sexual reproduction can be found in Sipunculans, although asexual reproduction is uncommon. Sipunculans reproduce asexually via transverse fission followed by regeneration of vital body components. As for sexual reproduction, Sipunculans are dioecious. Their gametes are produced in the coelomic lining, where they are released into the coelom to mature. These gametes are then picked up by the metanephridia system and released into the aquatic environment. Fertilization in Sipunculans is external. Once male and female matured gametes meet, a Trochopore larva develops followed by a Pelagosphera larva to a juvenile and finally into an adult. (ALL TAKEN FROM WIKIPEDIA)
i want this to last 11:37 AM