Development of the foregut in Katharina tunicata (Mollusca; Polyplacophora)

Abstract

As a highly diverse phyla, Mollusca is both intriguing to study and difficult to define. No single common feature distinguishes the phyla, but the most common and recognizable is the radula. Throughout Molluscan history, there have been many developments to the radular structure. Evolutionary development of unique radular structures may have been made possible by developmental modularity. This histological study examines the development of polyplacophoran internal gut development. Here, I describe the developmental sequence of chiton feeding structures for the first time. Feeding structures are present by 10 days post hatch. Future research should examine larval stages prior to this in order to determine whether developmental modularity exists in polyplacophorans.