HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

Defense Date

7-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. Marine Biology

Department

Oceanographic Center

First Advisor

Charles G. Messing

Second Advisor

James D. Thomas

Third Advisor

Jose V. Lopez

Abstract

Feather star (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Comatulida) family Charitometridae has not been revised since 1950. Molecular analysis, new specimens of existing species, and the discovery of a new species has revealed the need for a generic-level revision of those genera that exhibit abruptly expanded genital pinnules. A morphological study was conducted using 57 specimens representing 10 species of the Charitometridae. The genus Poecilometra is redescribed, and two species formerly placed in Strotometra have been moved to the genus based primarily on possession of pedunculate genital pinnules and a wide flange on the first pinnular of the proximal pinnules. A new species was described: Poecilometra tibicinem n. sp. The genus Strotometra is redescribed based on its cirri and laterally expanded genital pinnulars and its extant two species synonymized under Strotometra parvipinna. An undescribed stereomic structure was discovered on the proximal brachial articulations in the medial angles of the muscular fossae in some specimens, but its taxonomic significance remains unresolved.

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