Latest Biology of Phylum Mollusca

1. Latest Biology of Phylum Mollusca By Rory, Jess, and Avonlea

2. Chromatophores in Cephalopods Some species can rapidly change color through mechanisms that translocate pigment and reorient reflective plates within chromatophores. This process is often used as a type of camouflage and a way of communication, and is called metachrosis. Cephalopods such as the octopus have complex chromatophore organs controlled by muscles to achieve this. Dead Squid Chromatophores

3. Learning and Memory: Octopus as a Comparative Model • Octopus good model because: • adapts quickly • naturally defensive- quantifiable • curious- natural behavior can be initiated many ways • observational learning- induces stable memory trace for up to five days after observational phase • Convergence- Similarities to vertebrate brain • Physiology still being studied, but advances in neurophysiological tools will allow studies of octopi central nervous system to be studied.

4. Functional Morphology of Jet Propulsion -Minimize energy cost of oxygen extraction and jet propulsion -Oxygen extraction 5-10% during jet propulsion 25% while at rest

5. References • http://www.biolbull.org/content/210/3/308.full#cited-by