Gross anatomy of the reproductive system and histology of the Ovotestis of a tree snail, Helicostyla daphnis (Broderip, 1841) (Stylommatophora : Bradybaenidae)

Date

4-2014

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Zoology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Roberto C. Reyes

Abstract

Helicostyla daphnis, or 'takyong', is an endemic tree snail to Cebu. The increasing demand for this species as an alternative food and source of livelihood poses threat to its population. Since species conservation requires baseline information of reproductive biology, knowledge on the gross anatomy of H. daphnis reproductive system is vital to ensure its future viability. This study describes the gross morphology of the reproductive system of H. daphnis, the histology of its ovotestis and the gametogenic cells. Twenty-eight snails (mean shell length: 50.54 ± 0.62 mm) were collected and dissected. Serial sections of the ovotestes were made and observed under light microscope. Thirty spermatogenic cells and fifteen oogenic cells were randomly selected and measured. H. daphnis follows the general plan of reproductive system of Order Stylommatophora. The presence of an additional organ, the dart sac, is characteristic of Family Bradybaenidae. The external morphology of the reproductive organs indicates that the dissected specimens were sexually mature. This observation is further supported by the abundance of spermatogenic and oogenic cells in the ovotestis acini studied. These include spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and sperms for the spermatogenic line and oogonia, pre-vitellogenic oocytes, early and late vitellogenic oocytes and mature ovum for the oogenic line.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2014 B4 /C66

Document Type

Thesis

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