43
6
December
1143
1151
10.1111/1475-4983.00164
BATES, D. E. B., LOYDELL, D. K. 2000. Parasitism on graptoloid graptolites. Palaeontology, 43, 6, 1143–1151.
Denis E. B. Bates and David K. Loydell A review of evidence for parasitism on graptoloid graptolites is presented. The phenomenon is rare, having been recorded in only a few biserial forms and straight monograptids. Most periderm outgrowths secreted as a response to parasitism are small and blister-like, but in two new specimens remarkable tubular outgrowths occur. These would have had a detrimental, but clearly not fatal, influence on the functioning of these graptolites, particularly with regard to the hydrodynamics and buoyancy of the rhabdosorne and the energy expended in secreting additional periderm. Wiley Online Library