Russian Journal of Marine Biology, Vol. 30, Suppl. 1, 2004, pp. S43–S55. Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Biologiya Morya, Ostrovskii. IINVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY Brood Chambers (Ovicells) of Cheilostome Bryozoans (Bryozoa: Gymnolaemata): Structure, Research History, and Modern Problematics A. N. Ostrovskii Faculty of Biology & Soil Science, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, 199034 Russia e-mail:
[email protected] Received December 24, 2003 Abstract—The basic stages characterizing research of brood chambers (ovicells) in cheilostome bryozoans are reviewed, from their first description by J. Ellis in 1755 up to the present. The problems concerning contradic- tory views of researchers on the structure, formation, and function of ovicells are considered in detail. Special attention was paid to the development of modern terminology. Based on recent data, including paleontological data, the prospects are displayed of studying brood structures in Cheilostomata in order to better understand the phylogeny and evolution of their reproductive strategies. Key words: brooding, ovicells, anatomy, Bryozoa, Cheilostomata, evolution. Bryozoa is a widespread group of fouling suspension its reproductive strategies, in particular. Moreover, as feeders, mostly marine, with a long geological history the vast majority of cheilostome bryozoans brood their stretching back to the Early Ordovician [10]. Their colo- larvae in special brood chambers called ovicells, the nies form a significant part of the fouling in many marine presence of ovicells and their morphology are consid- biotopes, from upper sublittoral horizons to depths ered relevant taxonomic characters in bryozoology. exceeding 6000 m. Many bryozoans are extremely important components of such biotopes; they form shel- Several morphological types of brood chambers ter and are food for a broad spectrum of organisms have been distinguished, but the most widespread are inhabiting the sea floor.