Breeding system and genome size of the rhabdocoel turbellarian Mesostoma ehrenbergii

Abstract

Rhabdocoel turbellarians, such as Mesostoma ehrenbergii, are hermaphrodites which produce both subitaneous and resting eggs. Both genotypic frequencies in natural populations as well as parent–offspring genotypes at a polymorphic allozyme locus confirm that, under natural conditions, M. ehrenbergii produces subitaneous eggs via self-fertilization and resting eggs probably by outcrossing. Chromosome counts show, contrary to an earlier report, that North American populations of the species possess the same chromosome number as European populations. However, other karyotypic differences do exist between Old World and New World populations. DNA quantification studies revealed that M. ehrenbergii possesses one of the largest haploid genome sizes (14.8 pg) yet reported for an invertebrate. Among organisms showing similar genome size, this species appears to be unique for its rapid developmental rate.Key words: Turbellaria, allozyme, breeding system, genome size, cytogenetics, selfing.