Our knowledge of the influence of ecological variables on the performance of Macrostomum lignano has greatly been shaped by the needs of culturing it. The study of its ecology, however, promises to be very interesting, and reveal adaptations to the drastically changing conditions of intertidal habitats. For instance, under increased salinity it encysts in a relatively thin wall, which is dissolved with the reduction of the salinity. Encysting also occurs in dark and cold conditions, suggesting that it could play a role in overwintering. Another interesting feature can be observed in worms that grow in very small groups or isolated. The tail plate, a very sticky part of the worm, is stretched and opened like an upturned umbrella, and seems to keep the worm attached to the surface of the water. A way to disperse to a better habitat? Even more astounding is the regression of gonadal tissue and a considerable reduction of the body size under very low food levels. All these observations point to a great flexibility and deserve to be studied in detail.
Using a combination of field-collected data, laboratory manipulations, and the development of microcosms, we can attain a deeper understanding of the ecological adaptations of this amazing little worm.
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last uptaded: 29.02.2008