Constraints on the relative sizes of the cell populations in Hydra attenuata

Abstract

The steady-state relative population sizes of the several cell populations in Hydra attenuata were examined. In contrast to the constant average population size ratios between groups of animals, these ratios vary within limits between individual animals within a group. By maintaining animals on different feeding regimes (number of shrimp larvae ingested per day), the steady-state population size ratios were altered. The kinds of changes that occurred in these ratios suggest where controls may be operating to maintain the steady-state population sizes.