ウニをとりまく共生系の研究

抄録

A variety of symbiotic relationships can be found in marine ecosystems. Among these, inquilinism, which utilizes structures such as bores created by rock-boring organisms and bodies of sessile organisms, is predominant. This study describes the diversity of symbionts in rocky pits created by rock-boring sea urchins. In addition, the morphology and ecology of the unique symbiont Broderipia iridescens (Trochidae, Gastropoda, Mollusca), which exclusively lives in pits of sea urchins, flattening of coiled shells, and host urchin tracking behavior will be presented. We will also introduce the ecology of Rugilepas pearsei (Thoracica, Cirripedia, Arthropoda), a symbiont of the toxic sea urchin, by modifying its body surface, as revealed by a study of the sea urchin symbiosis biota in subtropical coastal areas. This series of studies has deepened our knowledge of the symbiosis associated with sea urchins in the waters around Japan, both as inquilinism and body-surface symbiosis.