Reproduction
There are two types of reproduction; sexual and asexual. In asexual reproduction, one parent produces its offspring and the offspring has the same exact features of that parent; meiosis is not involved in this process. Mitosis is involved and this is a cell duplication where one cell gives rise to two genetically identical daughter cells. Sexual reproduction is when two organisms produce their offspring by mixing genetic material and creating offspring that have both the parents' genetic traits. [1] Meiosis occurs in sexual reproduction and it is when the cell duplication results in 4 gametes or sex cells that have the same chromosome number as the original cell. [2]
Channeled Whelk Reproduction
The channeled whelk depends on the surrounding water during mating for the dispersal of larvae. Their mating time is during the spring if they're in cold water areas. If they're in warm areas, they mate during the fall. [3]
Channeled whelks have separate sexes. Channeled whelks have (diploid) 68 chromosomes. The male parts include the bursa tract, albumen gland, stylophore bursa copulatrix, epiphallus, genital pore, penis, spermoviduct, vas deferens and more. The female parts include the vagina, fertilization pouch, operculum, etc. They reach sexual maturity around the ages of 1-3 years old. Before reproducing, they find their partner by releasing pheromones. The female releases this when the water's temperature is right and this attracts the male. Sperm can be found in the epiphallus and is released by stylophore. When it is released, it goes into the female tract and then into the spermatheca. Then, the egg is fertilized in the fertilization pouch. [4]
Channeled whelks have separate sexes. Channeled whelks have (diploid) 68 chromosomes. The male parts include the bursa tract, albumen gland, stylophore bursa copulatrix, epiphallus, genital pore, penis, spermoviduct, vas deferens and more. The female parts include the vagina, fertilization pouch, operculum, etc. They reach sexual maturity around the ages of 1-3 years old. Before reproducing, they find their partner by releasing pheromones. The female releases this when the water's temperature is right and this attracts the male. Sperm can be found in the epiphallus and is released by stylophore. When it is released, it goes into the female tract and then into the spermatheca. Then, the egg is fertilized in the fertilization pouch. [4]
Development
The whelk lays its eggs in egg casings that can have up to 150 capsules enclosing more than 150 whelks. They carry these eggs around for protection. These eggs stay in the cases for safety and hatch in 3-13 months. They take care of their offspring until they're in their juvenile stage. [5]
Channeled whelks and other gastropods all go through the stage of torsion. This stage of development occurs during the larval development. This is when their visceral mass, mantle, and shell rotate 180 degrees aligning with their head and foot. There are some important internal organ changes within torsion; their nervous systems change from a euthyneural nervous system to a streptoneural system where visceral nerves make an eight figure when they cross. [6]
Channeled whelks and other gastropods all go through the stage of torsion. This stage of development occurs during the larval development. This is when their visceral mass, mantle, and shell rotate 180 degrees aligning with their head and foot. There are some important internal organ changes within torsion; their nervous systems change from a euthyneural nervous system to a streptoneural system where visceral nerves make an eight figure when they cross. [6]
1.http://www.diffen.com/difference/Asexual_Reproduction_vs_Sexual_Reproduction2.2. http://www.diffen.com/difference/Meiosis_vs_Mitosis
3.http://www.asnailsodyssey.com/LEARNABOUT/WHELK/whelOthe.php
4.http://www.savebay.org/page.aspx?pid=852
5.http://marinelife.about.com/od/Mollusks/p/Whelks.htm
6.http://animals.about.com/od/molluscs/p/gastropods.htm
3.http://www.asnailsodyssey.com/LEARNABOUT/WHELK/whelOthe.php
4.http://www.savebay.org/page.aspx?pid=852
5.http://marinelife.about.com/od/Mollusks/p/Whelks.htm
6.http://animals.about.com/od/molluscs/p/gastropods.htm