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Occurrence of a Filter-feeding Mechanism in the Polychæte Nereis diversicolor

Nature volume 165, pages 734–735 (1950)Cite this article

Abstract

THE Nereids as a group are regarded as typical examples of the predaceous errant polychætes1. Nereis diversicolor O. F. Müller (Annelida: Polychæta) has been recorded as feeding on small crabs, mussels, pieces of algæ, and also on detritus, and stress has always been laid on the role of the powerful jaws in seizing prey and dragging it down into the burrow2. The discovery of a filter-feeding mechanism is therefore of interest.

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References

  1. MacGinitie, G. E., and MacGinitie, N., “Natural History of Marine Animals” (New York and London, 1949).

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  3. Ehlers, E., Die Borstenwürmer (Annelida Chætopoda) nach systematischen und anatomischen Untersuchungen dargestellt. Band i, Abth. 1–2 (Leipzig, 1864–68).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Durham Colleges in the University of Durham,

    MARGARET B. HARLEY

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  1. MARGARET B. HARLEY
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HARLEY, M. Occurrence of a Filter-feeding Mechanism in the Polychæte Nereis diversicolor. Nature 165, 734–735 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1038/165734b0

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