Assessing the role of taxonomic impediment in the knowledge on geographic distribution of Physidae (Gastropoda: Hygrophila) in South America, using an intensive-data approach.

There is a marked disparity in the state of knowledge of Holartic x Neotropical species of the freshwater snail family Physidae; the incipiency of data on Neotropical physids reflecting the lower number of dedicated specialists. The gaps in the knowledge on Neotropical physids have led to historical uncertainty about species validity. Revisiting the species is essential to reduce taxonomic impediment and delineating their probable distribution is the first step to attain this purpose. We aimed at critically analyze occurrence records of South American physids, compiled through an intensive search in the literature, biodiversity and molecular databases. We present a provisional characterization of the distribution of this family in South America, considering the probable versus the poorly documented distribution of the species. The critical underrepresentation of South American physids in collections, molecular databases and literature reinforces the role of taxonomic impediment in delaying the advance of the knowledge on species diversity. Malacological collections represented the main source of records, evidencing the relevance of unpublished data associated to specimens to assess distributional information on neglected groups. As most of the species are represented by shells, the reassessment of species identity and distribution must be done, using molecular and anatomical criteria for species delimitation.

Species catalogue of Drymaeus (Mesembrinus) Alberts, 1850 (Gastropoda: Bulimulidae) from Brazil and new data on morphology and distribution of Drymaeus (Mesembrinus) interpunctus (Martens, 1887).

Background: Herein, we attempted to obtain detailed data on the distribution of the species of Drymaeus (Mesembrinus) in Brazil, using biodiversity databases, malacological collections and literature as sources of occurrence records. We provided a catalogue of species, along with distribution maps. We also estimated the suitable distribution of Drymaeus (Mesembrinus) interpunctus using the maximum entropy approach. A detailed description of the anatomy of the soft parts of this species was provided, with new data on the pallial system. Materials and Methods: For each species we provided information on the compiled data associated with museum collections and the literature. Distribution maps including geographic boundaries, Brazilian biomes and altitude were made with QGIS software 3.16.10 Hannover. For niche modelling, nineteen bioclimatic variables and a topographic variable were used as predictors. The models were performed with MaxEnt version 3.3.3k. Results: Most of the species are represented by scarce material in malacological collections; for some species, these records correspond to type material, indicating that they have not been recollected. Most of the species were represented by shells making anatomical comparison and DNA analysis difficult, limiting our ability to provide new criteria for species delimitation. Our results allowed us to expand the known distribution area for three species, Drymaeus dutaillyi, D. gereti and D. oreades, with new occurrence records in Brazil. The MaxEnt model showed a thin area of high suitability to D. (M.) interpunctus in the Southeastern Brazil, corresponding to the Atlantic Forest. Minimum temperature of the coldest month and mean temperature of coldest quarter were the variables that most influenced the development of the model. Discussion: Drymaeus interpunctus was described based on specimens collected in Brazil without mention to the exact localities. Herein the new records from databases allowed to expand the known geographic distribution for this species and to infer its potential distribution. Although the type locality of D. interpunctus is in Brazil, the anatomy of the soft parts of specimens from this country was not previously described. The anatomy of the reproductive system of the specimens analyzed herein mostly corresponds to a previous description for specimens from Paraguay, except for the absence of penial sheath and the relative length of the bursa copulatrix duct. The results of niche modeling showed a thin area of high suitability for D. interpunctus and a vast area of moderate suitability, indicating that this species present a niche breadth that favors its occurrence in a range of different biomes, including less suitable areas. Conclusion: The small number of records obtained for most of the species and their restricted ranges associated with habitat destruction may indicate that they are of conservation concern.

Responses of Leptinaria unilamellata (Gastropoda: Subulinidae) to Novel Micro-Environmental Conditions: Shift in Shell Morphology and the Balance between Protection against Desiccation and Reproductive Success.

In the present study, we observed that Leptinaria unilamellata responds to changes in microclimatic conditions through shifts in shell morphology. Over three laboratory generations, shell differences between two populations, representing distinct morphotypes, became less evident. Only F1 generations from both populations showed shell morphometry very similar to the field parental snails, suggesting maternal effect. Snails from the locality with higher values of rainfall, relative humidity and evaporation index and smaller values of temperature and insolation produced more and larger hatchlings. Snails from the locality with less favorable climatic conditions presented shells traits that offer protection against desiccation, but reduce reproductive success. These snails showed smaller offspring production and faster response to a desiccation regime, through changes in conchiometrics. In addition, the results of the present study suggest that the spire index plays a less important role in determining protective properties of the shell of L. unilamellata, in response to desiccation risk, compared to aperture dimension. As shell aperture dimension is an important trait related to resistance to desiccation, and at the same time to reproduction, plastic responses to environmental conditions promoting the balance between survival and reproductive success are critical for the species adaptive success.

New Morphological Characterization of Latipes erinaceus (Gastropoda, Veronicellidae), Differential Diagnosis for the Genera Angustipes and Latipes, and Novel Combinations for Species of Latipes.

The genera Angustipes Colosi, 1922 and Latipes Colosi, 1922 were originally proposed as "groups" within the genus Vaginulus Ferrussac, 1822, and since their establishment they have been variously considered valid or invalid until they gained the ultimate status of genus. The descriptions of both genera are general and broadly inclusive, and this fact has complicated taxonomic recognition. Additionally, incomplete descriptions and difficult identification of characteristics in the name-bearing type specimens demonstrate the need to revisit the species and revise the two genera. Herein, we broaden the description of Latipes erinaceus Colosi, 1922 with respect to the circulatory system, the radula, the jaw, the position of entry of the ligation duct in the bursa copulatrix in relation to the canal of the bursa, the origin of the muscle of the penial gland, along with the morphometric characteristics of the phallus, the penial gland, the pedal gland, and the bursa copulatrix. We also propose new differential diagnoses for the genera Angustipes and Latipes, limited to the essential characteristics that enable taxonomic recognition. Hence, we propose the assignment of the species L. erinaceus, Latipes rosilus (Thiele, 1927), Latipes ribeirensis (Thiele, 1927), and Latipes absumptus (Colosi, 1921) to the genus Angustipes, based on the presence of morphological characteristics attributable to this genus, such as the phallus being short and conical; the bursa copulatrix being sessile or short, and lacking a head; the ligation duct inserted near the canal of the bursa; as well as on the similarity in phallus morphology with Angustipes difficilis Colosi, 1922, the type species of this genus.

Diversity and Distribution of Peritrich Ciliates on the Snail Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 (Gastropoda: Physidae) in a Eutrophic Lotic System.

Bianca Sartini, Roberto Marchesini, Sthefane D ´ávila, Marta D'Agosto, and Roberto Júnio Pedroso Dias (2018) Freshwater gastropods represent good models for the investigation of epibiotic relationships because their shells act as hard substrates, offering a range of microhabitats that peritrich ciliates can occupy. In the present study we analyzed the community composition and structure of peritrich epibionts on the basibiont freshwater gastropod Physa acuta. We also investigated the spatial distribution of these ciliates on the shells of the basibionts, assuming the premise that the shell is a topologically complex substrate. Among the 140 analyzed snails, 60.7% were colonized by peritrichs. We observed seven peritrich species: Epistylis plicatilis and Epistylis sp. (Epistylididae); Opercularia articulata (Operculariidae); Carchesium polypinum, Vorticella campanula and Vorticella sp. (Vorticellidae) and Thuricola kellicottiana (Vaginicollidae). We observed a high prevalence of epibiosis (> 60%) when all species of ciliates were considered conjunctly. However, the prevalence was low (1-58%) when each species was considered separately, reflecting their aggregate distribution pattern. The most prevalent species were Epistylis sp. (58.60%), Vorticella sp. (14.30%) and O. articulata (13.60%). Although the epibionts were distributed through the shell's entire extension, we observed greater values of abundance, density, diversity and dominance on the dorsal surface. Only Epistylis sp. was widely distributed on the ventral surface. We also observed that the peritrichs predominantly occupied the areas of the shell delimited by the sutures. We interpreted these distribution patterns considering that the peritrichs select their attachment sites under pressures related to basibiont behavior, physical forces that may dislocate them and protective characteristics of the shell's areas.

Morphological and morphometric study of pre-ovigerous and post-ovigerous adults of Tanaisia (Paratanaisia) bragai (Santos, 1934) (Digenea, Eucotylidae)

The aim of this study was to obtain data on the morphology and morphometry of pre-ovigerous and post-ovigerous adults of the species Tanaisia (Paratanaisia) bragai, using confocal laser scanning microscopy to obtain tomographic images of the suckers and tegument. For morphometric analysis, 45 specimens (30 pre-ovigerous adults and 15 post-ovigerous adults) were measured with the aid of an ocular micrometer coupled to the objective of a photonic microscope. Pre-ovigerous and post-ovigerous adult individuals, stained with Mair carmalumen and mounted in permanent preparations, were analyzed by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. Positive correlation was detected between the body length and ovary length of postovigerous adults (rs: 0.774; p< 0.05), the body length and the length of uterus (rs: 0.839; p< 0,01) and between the ovary width and egg length (rs: 0.777; p p<0.01). Morphological study of the pre-ovigerous adults demonstrated that the ovary and testes develop simultaneously before the development of the uterus and vitelline glands. The acetabulum was detected in pre-ovigerous adults stained with hematoxilin and observed using light microscopy. In these specimens, the acetabulum measured 36.7 ± 6.9 µm (25-50 µm) in width and 39.91 ± 6.8 µm (25-55 µm) in length. The acetabulum was not detected in post-ovigerous adults observed with light microscopy. However, this structure was detected using confocal miscrocopy. In the post-ovigerous specimens, the acetabulum presented a reduced size compared to the pre-ovigerous adults. This may imply that this structure has more functional significance in the larval and pre-ovigerous stages.(AU)

Estudo morfométrico e aspectos taxonômicos de Baruscapillaria obsignata (Nematoda, Capillariidae), parasito de Columba livia (Aves, Columbidae) / Morphometric study and taxonomic notes on Baruscapillaria obsignata (Nematoda, Capillariidae),parasite of Columba livia (Aves, Columbidae)

O objetivo deste estudo foi obter dados sobre a morfologia e morfometria de nematóides da espécie Baruscapillaria obsignata, parasitos de Columba livia. Para as análises morfométricas, 41 espécimes (13 machos e 28 fêmeas) foram medidos em microscópio de campo claro adaptado com ocular micrométrica. O comprimento do corpo das fêmeas variou de 11.8 a 18.0 mm (14.8 ± 2.0 mm). A maior largura do corpo variou de 65 a 92.5 µm (74.32 ± 7.6 µm). A distância entre a vulva e a porção final do esôfago variou de 50 a 200 µm (101.31 ± 42.2 µm), e o comprimento da vagina variou de 55 a 210 µm (135.92 ± 41 µm). A largura dos ovos variou de 27.08 a 34.28 µm (29.56 ± 2 µm), e o comprimento de 45.83 a 56.87 µm (51.08 ± 3 µm). O comprimento do esôfago variou de 6.32 a 4.6 mm (5.42 ± 0.55 mm). O comprimento do corpo dos machos variou de 5.82 a 11.25 mm (9.29 ± 1.5 mm) e a largura do corpo, de 42.5 a 110 µm (59.77 ± 18.92 µm). O comprimento do espículo variou de 1.0 a 4.25 mm (1.55 ± 0.89mm) e a largura do espículo, de 7.5 a 12.5 µm (9.58 ± 1.79 µm). Os resultados do estudo morfológico e morfométrico estão de acordo com os dados apresentados por outros autores para esta espécie. As características morfológicas e morfométricas, hospedeiros e habitat de B. obsignata são similares àqueles atribuídos a Capillaria dujardini, confirmando que se trata de uma única espécie.(AU)

This work aimed to obtain data on the morphology and morphometry of the nematode species Baruscapillaria obsignata, parasite of Columba livia. For morphometric analysis, 41 specimens (13 males and 28 females) were measured with the aid of micrometer coupled to the of a photonic microscope. The body length of the females varied from 11.8 to 18.0 mm (14.8 ± 2.0 mm). The greatest body width ranged from 65 to 92.5 µm (74.32 ± 7.6 µm). The distance between the vulva and the end of the esophagus ranged from 50 to 200 µm (101.31 ± 42.2 µm), and the vagina length varied from 55 to 210 µm (135.92 ± 41 µm). The width of the eggs ranged from 27.08 to 34.28 µm (29.56 ± 2 µm), and their length was between 45.83 and 56.87 µm (51.08 ± 3 µm). Finally, the esophagus length ranged from 6.32 to 4.6 mm (5.42 ± 0.55 mm). For males, the body length varied between 5.82 and 11.25 mm (9.29 ± 1.5 mm) and body width ranged from 42.5 to 110 µm (59.77 ± 18.92 µm). The spiculum length varied from 1.0 to 4.25 mm (1.55 ± 0.89mm) and the spiculum width ranged from 7.5 to 12.5 µm (9.58 ± 1.79 µm). The results of the morphometric and morphological study agree with those presented by other authors for this species. The morphological and morphometric characteristics, hosts and habitat attributed to B. obsignata are similar to those attributed to Capillaria dujardini, confirming that they are the same species.(AU)

Composition and structure of the helminth community of Columba livia (Gmelin, 1798) (Aves, Columbidae), in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

The objective of the present study was to describe the composition and structure of the helminth community present in domestic pigeons, in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The helminthological survey of 35 hosts revealed the presence of two digenetic trematodes, Tanaisia (Paratanaisia) bragai (prevalence 51.42%, mean intensity 288.8 ± 403.86 and mean abundance 148 ± 320.9) and T. inopina (prevalence 2.85% and mean abundance 0.68 ± 4.05); five cestodes, Raillietina allomyodes (prevalence 34.28%, mean intensity 6.66 ± 9.14 and mean abundance 2.28 ± 6.11), Raillietina sp. (prevalence 37.14%, mean intensity 9 ± 10.68 and mean abundance 3.34 ± 7.7), Skrjabinia bonini (prevalence 20%, mean intensity 2.14 ± 1.21 and mean abundance 0.42 ± 1), Skrjabinia sp.( prevalence 5.7%, mean intensity 6 ± 7 and mean abundance 0.34 ± 7) and Fuhrmanneta sp. (prevalence 2.85% and mean abundance 0.028 ± 0.16) and four nematodes, Baruscapillaria obsignata (prevalence 51.42%, mean intensity 29.72 ± 44.2 and mean abundance 15.28 ± 34.7); Ascaridia columbae (prevalence 51.42%, mean intensity 60.55 ± 79.88 and mean abundance 31.14 ± 64.2); Tetrameres fissipina (prevalence 14.28%, mean intensity 346.3 ± 504.4 and mean abundance 49.42 ± 212.1) and Synhimanthus (Dyspharynx) nasuta (prevalence 2.85% and mean abundance 0.028 ± 0.16). Among the examined hosts, 97.2 % were found parasitized by at least one helminth species. In accordance with the prevalence of each species T. bragai, A. columbae and B. obsignata were considered secondary species and T. inopina, T. fissipina, S. nasuta, S. bonini, Skrjabinia sp., R. allomyodes, Raillietina sp. and Fuhrmanneta sp. were considered satellite species. All the species exhibited aggregate distributions, which is the most common distribution pattern in helminth populations(AU)

Composition and structure of the helminth community of Columba livia (Gmelin, 1798) (Aves, Columbidae), in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

The objective of the present study was to describe the composition and structure of the helminth community present in domestic pigeons, in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The helminthological survey of 35 hosts revealed the presence of two digenetic trematodes, Tanaisia (Paratanaisia) bragai (prevalence 51.42%, mean intensity 288.8 ± 403.86 and mean abundance 148 ± 320.9) and T. inopina (prevalence 2.85% and mean abundance 0.68 ± 4.05); five cestodes, Raillietina allomyodes (prevalence 34.28%, mean intensity 6.66 ± 9.14 and mean abundance 2.28 ± 6.11), Raillietina sp. (prevalence 37.14%, mean intensity 9 ± 10.68 and mean abundance 3.34 ± 7.7), Skrjabinia bonini (prevalence 20%, mean intensity 2.14 ± 1.21 and mean abundance 0.42 ± 1), Skrjabinia sp.( prevalence 5.7%, mean intensity 6 ± 7 and mean abundance 0.34 ± 7) and Fuhrmanneta sp. (prevalence 2.85% and mean abundance 0.028 ± 0.16) and four nematodes, Baruscapillaria obsignata (prevalence 51.42%, mean intensity 29.72 ± 44.2 and mean abundance 15.28 ± 34.7); Ascaridia columbae (prevalence 51.42%, mean intensity 60.55 ± 79.88 and mean abundance 31.14 ± 64.2); Tetrameres fissipina (prevalence 14.28%, mean intensity 346.3 ± 504.4 and mean abundance 49.42 ± 212.1) and Synhimanthus (Dyspharynx) nasuta (prevalence 2.85% and mean abundance 0.028 ± 0.16). Among the examined hosts, 97.2 % were found parasitized by at least one helminth species. In accordance with the prevalence of each species T. bragai, A. columbae and B. obsignata were considered secondary species and T. inopina, T. fissipina, S. nasuta, S. bonini, Skrjabinia sp., R. allomyodes, Raillietina sp. and Fuhrmanneta sp. were considered satellite species. All the species exhibited aggregate distributions, which is the most common distribution pattern in helminth populations

Estudo morfométrico e aspectos taxonômicos de Baruscapillaria obsignata (Nematoda, Capillariidae), parasito de Columba livia (Aves, Columbidae) / Morphometric study and taxonomic notes on Baruscapillaria obsignata (Nematoda, Capillariidae),parasite of Columba livia (Aves, Columbidae)

O objetivo deste estudo foi obter dados sobre a morfologia e morfometria de nematóides da espécie Baruscapillaria obsignata, parasitos de Columba livia. Para as análises morfométricas, 41 espécimes (13 machos e 28 fêmeas) foram medidos em microscópio de campo claro adaptado com ocular micrométrica. O comprimento do corpo das fêmeas variou de 11.8 a 18.0 mm (14.8 ± 2.0 mm). A maior largura do corpo variou de 65 a 92.5 µm (74.32 ± 7.6 µm). A distância entre a vulva e a porção final do esôfago variou de 50 a 200 µm (101.31 ± 42.2 µm), e o comprimento da vagina variou de 55 a 210 µm (135.92 ± 41 µm). A largura dos ovos variou de 27.08 a 34.28 µm (29.56 ± 2 µm), e o comprimento de 45.83 a 56.87 µm (51.08 ± 3 µm). O comprimento do esôfago variou de 6.32 a 4.6 mm (5.42 ± 0.55 mm). O comprimento do corpo dos machos variou de 5.82 a 11.25 mm (9.29 ± 1.5 mm) e a largura do corpo, de 42.5 a 110 µm (59.77 ± 18.92 µm). O comprimento do espículo variou de 1.0 a 4.25 mm (1.55 ± 0.89mm) e a largura do espículo, de 7.5 a 12.5 µm (9.58 ± 1.79 µm). Os resultados do estudo morfológico e morfométrico estão de acordo com os dados apresentados por outros autores para esta espécie. As características morfológicas e morfométricas, hospedeiros e habitat de B. obsignata são similares àqueles atribuídos a Capillaria dujardini, confirmando que se trata de uma única espécie.

This work aimed to obtain data on the morphology and morphometry of the nematode species Baruscapillaria obsignata, parasite of Columba livia. For morphometric analysis, 41 specimens (13 males and 28 females) were measured with the aid of micrometer coupled to the of a photonic microscope. The body length of the females varied from 11.8 to 18.0 mm (14.8 ± 2.0 mm). The greatest body width ranged from 65 to 92.5 µm (74.32 ± 7.6 µm). The distance between the vulva and the end of the esophagus ranged from 50 to 200 µm (101.31 ± 42.2 µm), and the vagina length varied from 55 to 210 µm (135.92 ± 41 µm). The width of the eggs ranged from 27.08 to 34.28 µm (29.56 ± 2 µm), and their length was between 45.83 and 56.87 µm (51.08 ± 3 µm). Finally, the esophagus length ranged from 6.32 to 4.6 mm (5.42 ± 0.55 mm). For males, the body length varied between 5.82 and 11.25 mm (9.29 ± 1.5 mm) and body width ranged from 42.5 to 110 µm (59.77 ± 18.92 µm). The spiculum length varied from 1.0 to 4.25 mm (1.55 ± 0.89mm) and the spiculum width ranged from 7.5 to 12.5 µm (9.58 ± 1.79 µm). The results of the morphometric and morphological study agree with those presented by other authors for this species. The morphological and morphometric characteristics, hosts and habitat attributed to B. obsignata are similar to those attributed to Capillaria dujardini, confirming that they are the same species.

Morphological and morphometric study of pre-ovigerous and post-ovigerous adults of Tanaisia (Paratanaisia) bragai (Santos, 1934) (Digenea, Eucotylidae)

The aim of this study was to obtain data on the morphology and morphometry of pre-ovigerous and post-ovigerous adults of the species Tanaisia (Paratanaisia) bragai, using confocal laser scanning microscopy to obtain tomographic images of the suckers and tegument. For morphometric analysis, 45 specimens (30 pre-ovigerous adults and 15 post-ovigerous adults) were measured with the aid of an ocular micrometer coupled to the objective of a photonic microscope. Pre-ovigerous and post-ovigerous adult individuals, stained with Mair carmalumen and mounted in permanent preparations, were analyzed by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy. Positive correlation was detected between the body length and ovary length of postovigerous adults (rs: 0.774; p< 0.05), the body length and the length of uterus (rs: 0.839; p< 0,01) and between the ovary width and egg length (rs: 0.777; p p<0.01). Morphological study of the pre-ovigerous adults demonstrated that the ovary and testes develop simultaneously before the development of the uterus and vitelline glands. The acetabulum was detected in pre-ovigerous adults stained with hematoxilin and observed using light microscopy. In these specimens, the acetabulum measured 36.7 ± 6.9 µm (25-50 µm) in width and 39.91 ± 6.8 µm (25-55 µm) in length. The acetabulum was not detected in post-ovigerous adults observed with light microscopy. However, this structure was detected using confocal miscrocopy. In the post-ovigerous specimens, the acetabulum presented a reduced size compared to the pre-ovigerous adults. This may imply that this structure has more functional significance in the larval and pre-ovigerous stages.

Educação Não-Formal: qual a sua importância?

A educação não-formal surge para complementar a educação formal, já que esta, sozinha, não consegue responder à todas as demandas sociais. As atividades passam a ser organizadas com uma dinâmica própria. O Museu de Malacologia Prof. Maury Pinto de Oliveira da UFJF é um exemplo de espaço não-formal, atuando na comunicação científica. A visitação a espaços não-formais ainda é restrita no Brasil. No Museu de Malacologia, foi observado que as escolas públicas são mais frequentes.(au)

Devagar se vai ao longe

Os gastrópodes pulmonados, denominados popularmente como lesmas, caramujos e caracóis são conhecidos por sua movimentação lenta. Entretanto, esses animais apresentam variados mecanismos de locomoção e estratégias de dispersão que, em última análise, podem resultar nos padrões de distribuição ampla de algumas espécies.

Cadê a concha que estava aqui?

Quem nunca parou admirado diante das formas e cores das conchas dos moluscos? As conchas, por sua beleza, forma, ornamentação e cores, desde os tempos mais remotos, estão presentes nas mais diferentes culturas humanas. Dessa forma, as conchas têm sido utilizadas como moeda por povos africanos, como objetos religiosos por índios americanos, como instrumentos musicais por civilizações pré-colombianas e estão representadas nas mais diversas formas de expressão plástica, incluindo a pintura e a arquitetura. Mas, todos os moluscos têm concha?

Um caracol, dois sexos: implicações biológicas do hermafroditismo em gastrópodes terrestres

Desafiando a antiga crença de que hermafroditas são menos complexos dos que os animais de sexos separados, os resultados de estudos recentes sobre moluscos terrestres têm revelado a presença de comportamentos e estratégias tão ou mais elaboradas que aquelas exibidas pelas espécies gonocóricas (que apresentam indivíduos machos e fêmeas). O estudo do comportamento e das estratégias reprodutivas destes animais contribui para o entendimento da evolução e aspectos funcionais do hermafroditismo.

Vai uma carona aí?

A epibiose é um tipo de interação entre duas espécies. O epibionte é o organismo que coloniza um substrato vivo durante a fase séssil do seu ciclo biológico, e o basibionte é o organismo que serve de base para a colonização. A epibiose pode se apresentar como um epizoísmo, fenômeno no qual o epibionte coloniza um animal; e epifitismo, fenômeno no qual uma planta serve como base para a colonização.

Vai uma carona aí?

A epibiose é um tipo de interação entre duas espécies. O epibionte é o organismo que coloniza um substrato vivo durante a fase séssil do seu ciclo biológico, e o basibionte é o organismo que serve de base para a colonização. A epibiose pode se apresentar como um epizoísmo, fenômeno no qual o epibionte coloniza um animal; e epifitismo, fenômeno no qual uma planta serve como base para a colonização.(AU)

Devagar se vai ao longe

Os gastrópodes pulmonados, denominados popularmente como lesmas, caramujos e caracóis são conhecidos por sua movimentação lenta. Entretanto, esses animais apresentam variados mecanismos de locomoção e estratégias de dispersão que, em última análise, podem resultar nos padrões de distribuição ampla de algumas espécies.(AU)