Some effects of stress in the adult on the larval development of mytilus edulis

Abstract

ONCE triggered by temperature and food stimuli, vitellogenesis in bivalve molluscs proceeds to completion in spite of suboptimal environmental conditions1,2. Following maturation, however, disintegration of gametes occurs unless further stimuli are received to initiate their release from the animal (spawning), which poses the question, how are the larvae that develop from gametes produced in sub-optimal conditions affected by the stress experienced by the adult? © 1972 Nature Publishing Group.