Progenesis
produced by negative allometry
& early offset
Timing
of metamorphosis in ascidian Tunicates is size-dependant (B on vertical axis). If sexual
maturity is acheived at an earlier age (B
B'),
functional gonads will develop prior to metamorphosis (green bar on
horizontal axis). This
produces a motile, larval-like adult with functional gonads, similar to
the model for the earliest chordates.
Text material
©
2005 by Steven M. Carr