SEM morphological analysis of fertilized cysts in the genus Branchipus (branchiopoda, anostraca) - Can cyst morphology be used as a reliable taxonomic criterion?

Abstract

In order to illuminate taxonomic significance of cyst variability (as a part of total morphological variability) in the genus Branchipus, cysts (fertilized eggs) originating from southern parts of the Pannonian Plain are described on the basis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. The present study sets out to: 1) improve knowledge on use of egg morphology as a reliable taxonomic criterion in the genus Branchipus; 2) discuss egg variability in Pannonian populations; and 3) briefly discuss possible adaptive implications of egg morphology from the evolutionary point of view.