The biology and ecology of lotic Tardigrada

  1. Diane R. Nelson1,
  2. Nigel J. Marley2

Article first published online: 25 DEC 2001

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2427.2000.00586.x

Issue

Freshwater Biology

Freshwater Biology

Volume 44, Issue 1, pages 93–108, May 2000

Additional Information

How to Cite

Nelson, D. R. and Marley, N. J. (2000), The biology and ecology of lotic Tardigrada. Freshwater Biology, 44: 93–108. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2427.2000.00586.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-0703, U.S.A.

  2. 2

    Department of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K.

* Diane R. Nelson, Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614-0703, USA. E-mail: nelsond@estu.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 25 DEC 2001
  2. Article first published online: 25 DEC 2001

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Keywords:

  • freshwater;
  • meiofauna;
  • streams;
  • Tardigrada

Summary

  • 1
    Tardigrades comprise a micrometazoan phylum that is a sister group of the arthropods.
  • 2
    They are components of the meiobenthos in lotic habitats, and ≈ 50–70 species have been reported in such habitats world-wide. Approximately 800 species have been identified from all marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats.
  • 3
    Taxonomy is based primarily on the morphology of the claws, buccal-pharyngeal apparatus, cuticle and eggs.
  • 4
    Reproductive modes include sexual reproduction (amphimixis) and parthenogenesis. The sexual condition of individuals may be either gonochorism, unisexuality, or hermaphroditism. Moulting occurs throughout the life of the tardigrade.
  • 5
    Latent states (cryptobiosis, including encystment, anoxybiosis, cryobiosis, osmobiosis and anhydrobiosis) enable tardigrades to withstand unfavourable environmental conditions.
  • 6
    Population densities, life histories, dissemination and biogeography of freshwater species are poorly known.
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