Studies onPolystomellaLamarck (Foraminifera)

Abstract

Part I. After a brief statement of the present unsatisfactory position regarding the life history ofPolystomella crispa, an account is given of experiments with various fixatives onP. crispa, collected near Drake's Island, Plymouth. A method is described for the cultivation ofPolystomellain diatom cultures, especially withNavicula muticavar., with which a flagellate (Bodosp.) was constantly present. The identification of individual Foraminifera, and determination of growth, were often possible by some irregularity in the shell, or by noting the attachment of one or more stalked egg cocoons of an unknown turbellarian worm. The feeding ofPolystomellaon diatoms seized by the pseudopodia outside the shell is described; the structures previously taken for ingested algal cells inside the shell are shown to be foraminal plugs (‘bouchons’ of le Calvez) which are discarded from time to time and thrown out of the shell along with the excretory granules (xanthosomes), mostly via the canal system.Part II. Notes are given on the microspheric form and its reproduction, through the spring and summer, by schizogony. The rearing of two broods in laboratory cultures is described, with an account of the formation of a new chamber to the shell. It is concluded that a complete life cycle consisting of one microspheric and one megalospheric phase occupies a period of about two years.Part III. Sporulation of the megalospheric form is described as seen during life; and various factors are discussed which might affect the process. The relatively small size of the reproducingPolystomellawith which Lister worked is ascribed to their having lived under less favourable conditions. From a study of stained preparations, certain details are added concerning the opening up of the shell, presumably to facilitate the eventual escape of the flagellate swarm spores; also concerning the accompanying cytoplasmic and nuclear changes. Some account is given of the form and structure of the swarm spores, both alive and in permanent preparations. Experiments are described which constitute an attempt to carry the life cycle beyond the stage of sporulation. They are so far unsuccessful, with one possible exception, under all the various experimental conditions which are briefly discussed in their turn.