Reproduction and Development in Minor Phyla

Minor phyla have fewer species than major phyla due to inbreeding depression, eutelism, clonal multiplication, parthenogenesis, and selfing hermaphroditism. Gonochorism requires motility, which has limited diversity in hemocoelomatic minor phyla.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 29 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The 26 recognized minor phyla encompass diverse and peculiar clades, with a significant majority ending as blind offshoots. While their phylogenetic origins remain a subject of discussion, this book primarily focuses on the reproductive and developmental aspects of these minor phyletics. It is noteworthy that the minor phyla are less diverse compared to the major phyla, with approximately 1,795 species/phylum. The accumulation of deleterious genes within these groups leads to inbreeding depression, particularly in progenies derived from parthenogenesis,clonal multiplication, and selfing hermaphrodites. The limited species diversity observed in minor phyla can be attributed to various factors. Eutelism plays a significant role in 65.7% of minor phyletics, while the presence of 21.6% clonals, 6.4% parthenogens, and 1.2% selfing hermaphroditism further contributes to this phenomenon.

Gonochorism, a characteristic feature observed in many minor phyla, necessitates motility for mate searching. However, the combination of low motility and gonochorism from Placozoa to hemocoelomatic minor phyla has resulted in a limited range of diversity.

Weight: 589g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367523367