Models of reproduction, development, and growth in invertebrates

Abstract

Growing and producing offspring are inherent to all living organisms. The life cycle of an invertebrate species typically consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, juvenile, and adult. In spite of this, there can be variations in this life cycle. Marine invertebrates are composed of microscopic, free-living dispersive stages, which may feed (planktotrophic) or not feed (lecithotrophic). This paper outlines a simple model to explain how reproductive patterns have evolved in marine benthic invertebrates.