Larval Biology and Ecology

  1. Metamorphosis and Settlement
    1. Metamorphic Triggers
      1. Environmental Cues
        1. Temperature Signals
          1. Photoperiod Changes
            1. Chemical Inducers
              1. Physical Stimuli
              2. Internal Signals
                1. Hormonal Cascades
                  1. Nutritional Status
                    1. Size Thresholds
                  2. Physiological Processes
                    1. Tissue Reorganization
                      1. Cell Death and Resorption
                        1. Cell Proliferation
                          1. Cell Differentiation
                            1. Tissue Remodeling
                            2. Organ System Development
                              1. Digestive System Changes
                                1. Nervous System Reorganization
                                  1. Reproductive System Development
                                    1. Sensory System Maturation
                                    2. Biochemical Changes
                                      1. Enzyme System Transitions
                                        1. Metabolic Pathway Shifts
                                          1. Protein Synthesis Changes
                                        2. Morphological Transformation
                                          1. Loss of Larval Structures
                                            1. Ciliary Band Resorption
                                              1. Larval Organ Degeneration
                                                1. Temporary Structure Loss
                                                2. Adult Structure Development
                                                  1. Appendage Formation
                                                    1. Shell or Skeleton Development
                                                      1. Reproductive Organ Formation
                                                      2. Body Plan Reorganization
                                                        1. Symmetry Changes
                                                          1. Size and Shape Modifications
                                                        2. Ecological Consequences
                                                          1. Habitat Transition
                                                            1. Pelagic to Benthic Shift
                                                              1. Microhabitat Changes
                                                                1. Depth Distribution Changes
                                                                2. Trophic Shifts
                                                                  1. Diet Changes
                                                                    1. Feeding Mechanism Alterations
                                                                      1. Predator-prey Relationships
                                                                      2. Vulnerability Periods
                                                                        1. Metamorphic Stress
                                                                          1. Predation Risk
                                                                            1. Environmental Sensitivity

                                                                        Previous

                                                                        5. Larval Ecology

                                                                        Go to top

                                                                        Next

                                                                        7. Environmental Influences on Larval Biology