Fine-Structural Observations on some Marine Choanoflagellates from the Coast of Norway

Abstract

The external morphology of eight species of Choanoflagellates representing eight genera have been investigated with an electron microscope. These include one new species (Acanthoecopsis apoda). Sections have been obtained of Monosiga ovata, a species without a lorica. All the other species possess loricas with very regular and precise distinguishing features when seen in shadowcast whole mounts. The position of the group is discussed in a preliminary way in the light of fine structure.