MULTIPLE MATING TYPE SYSTEM OF THE MARINE CILIATE EUPLOTES-CRASSUS (DUJARDIN)

In the marine ciliate Euplotes crassus 38 clear-cut mating types, all compatible with each other, were found. The geographical regions from which the wild stocks were collected are: (1) the Central Mediterranean Sea; (2) the Eastern Mediterranean Sea; (3) the Western Indian Ocean. The relationship between the outbreeding pattern of E. crassus marked by a high number of complementary mating types and the widespread occurrence of the species is discussed. © 1979, VEB Gustav Fischer Verlag Jena. All rights reserved.