COMPLEX AND MODIFIABLE BEHAVIOR PATTERNS IN CALLIACTIS AND STOMPHIA

• Published in: American Zoologist
• Main Author: Ross, D. M.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 1965
• Subjects: BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY OF COELENTERATES; Modiolus modiolus
• Online Access: http://icb.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/5/3/573; https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/5.3.573

Three behavior patterns in sea anemones are analyzed in relation to the receptors, elfectors, and co-ordinating s)stems required for their perfomance: Calliactis responding to molluscan “shell-factor.” Stomphia swimming to starfish and to electrical stimulation. Stomphia transferring to shells of its commensal Modiolus modiolus . These complex purposive acts are triggered and controlled by the excitation of chemoreceptors. Co-ordinating nervous components have not been identified. These specific responses offer possibilities for tests on learning for which unequivocal evidence does not exist in coelenterates.