The infrastructure of aesthetes in <i>Tonicella marmorea</i> (Polyplacophora; Ischnochitonina) and a new functional hypothesis

Abstract

The valve surface morphology and aesthete ultrastructure of Tonicella marmorea is described. The possible functions of these very numerous organs are considered with particular reference to the ecological needs of the animal and their similarity to other invertebrate organs. A periostracum‐secreting function is proposed as an alternative to the more commonly postulated light receptor theory.