Amphimedon queenslandica
| Amphimedon queenslandica | |
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| Amphimedon queenslandica adult | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Genus: |
Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864
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| Species: |
A. queenslandica
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| Binomial name | |
| Amphimedon queenslandica Hooper & Van Soest, 2006[1]
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Amphimedon queenslandica (formerly known as Reniera sp.[2]) is a sponge native to the Great Barrier Reef. Its genome has been sequenced.[3] It has been the subject of various studies on the evolution of metazoan development.[2][4]
A. queenslandica was first discovered in 1998 on Heron Island Reef by Sally Leys during a survey of sponge species,[5] and was formally described by John Hooper and Rob van Soest in 2006.[1] Like most sponges, it has a biphasic life cycle, passing through a planktonic phase whilst a larva, but later becoming a benthic dweller.[5] It is hermaphroditic, and reproduces via spermcast spawning,[3] meaning it releases sperm into water but retains eggs, which are fertilised internally.[6] The embryos develop in brood chambers until they reach a certain size, then disperse as parenchymella larvae.[5] During this larval stage, they have a strong preference for darkness.[5] The sponge is difficult or impossible to maintain in captivity.[5]
Genetics
The genome of Amphimedon queenslandica was sequenced in 2009 to provide insights into the evolution of animal complexity and remains the only sponge to be sequenced.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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