DIFFERENCES IN EMBRYOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT IN 2 CLOSELY-RELATED SPECIES- IHLEA-RACOVITZAI AND IHLEA-MAGALHANICA (TUNICATA, THALIACEA)

Differences in the early stages of embryological development confirm t he validity of the closely related salp species Ihlea racovitzai and I hlea magalhanica. In the latter 8-12 oocytes and thus 8-12 follicles a nd uterine sacs are observed in the ovary; however most of them underg o a progressive degradation and only two embryos complete their develo pment. In Ihlea racovitzai two embroyos also develop but from the very beginning only the two successful follicles are found.