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Microscopic view of Botryllus schlosseri.

Microscopic view of Botryllus schlosseri.
Microscopic view of Botryllus schlosseri.
Microscopic view of Botryllus schlosseri.
Microscopic view of Botryllus schlosseri.
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304763
Meyer, Kirstin
Microscopic view of Botryllus schlosseri.
Still Image
07/26/2017
graphics/Kirstin_Meyer/Microscope/Botryllus_schlosseri/IMG_1333.JPG
2018 Wall Calendar caption:
COMPETING FOR ATTENTION.
The petals of these delicate golden flowers are actually individual animals: clones of colonial invertebrates called star tunicates. Tunicates, also known as sea squirts, can form dense mats on the submerged undersides of piers and boats, aquatic plants, and even the shells of snails and other marine life. This star tunicate has grown on top of another colony of bright orange sea squirts, competing for space and survival. WHOI postdoctoral scholar Kirstin Meyer is studying dock biofouling communities in Woods Hole and how they change over time.
Image Of the Day caption:
The petals of these delicate golden flowers are actually individual animals. They are clones of colonial invertebrates called star tunicates (Botryllus schlosseri). Tunicates, also known as ascidians or sea squirts, can form dense mats on the submerged undersides of piers and boats, aquatic plants, and even the shells of snails and other marine life. They compete for space with other members of the biofouling community, such as barnacles and musselsand one another. This star tunicate has grown on top of another colony of sea squirts (the bright orange Botrylloides violaceus). WHOI postdoctoral scholar Kirstin Meyer is studying dock fouling communities in Woods Hole and how they change over time.
Caption from Oceanus magazine, Vol. 53, No. 1, pg. 27:
In spite of their unflattering moniker, biofouling invertebrates can be surprisingly beautiful. The petals of these delicate golden flowers are actually individual animals: clones of the colonial star tunicate Botryllus schlosseri, growing on top of another colony of sea squirts, the bright orange Botryl-loides violaceus.
Photo by Kirstin Meyer
© Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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