- Epitoky
Epitoky is a form of
reproduction observed forpolychaete marine worms.The worms undergo a partial or complete transformation into an epitoke, a
pelagic morph capable ofsexual reproduction .Often an epitoke is the posterior part of the worm, that separates from the anterior part (called atoke) and
gamete s are produced inside.Epitoke may also form by asexual
budding from the posterior.In the third form, characteristic, e.g., to "
Nereidae ", the whole worm becomes epitoke: sperm and ova form in its posterior. This form may be accompanied by partial or full degeneracy ofdigestive organs (causing the animal to die quickly) and enhancement of motoric and sensory organs; in particular, while normally crawling, the worm develops swimming appendages: broadparapodia with paddle-shapedchaetae .Epitokes swim to the surface rich in
plankton , where the gametes are released by eruption of the body, and thelarva e are hatched to live swimming in plankton. This action is often synchronized with moon cycles, and epitokes swim in swarms.In the past it was thought that epitokes were separate species from
polychaete marine worms.
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