Heteronomous annulation
![[icon]](/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion with: details of how it is studied and why it is significant. You can help by adding to it. (January 2009) |
Heteronomous annulation is a characteristic of some arthropods. It means that segments are differentiated from one another, each having different form so as to serve a different function – for instance, using some limbs for walking and others for feeding.
The trait is first observed in the armoured
lobopods.[1] It is thought to be the precursor to segmentation in arthropods, and perhaps resulted from the need to produce serially repeated defensive structures (spines).[2] It can be studied using homeotic genes. [1] It is believed to be a trait found in the most recent common ancestor of Panarthropoda.[3]
References
- ^ ISBN 0-412-75420-7.
- S2CID 37935884.
- .