%0 Journal Article
%A Hammel, Jörg U.
%A Filatov, Maxim V.
%A Herzen, Julia
%A Beckmann, Felix
%A Kaandorp, Jaap A.
%A Nickel, Michael
%T The non-hierarchical, non-uniformly branching topology of a leuconoid sponge aquiferous system revealed by 3D reconstruction and morphometrics using corrosion casting and X-ray microtomography
%J Acta zoologica
%V 93
%N 2
%@ 0001-7272
%C Oxford
%I Wiley
%M PUBDB-2017-07054
%P 160 - 170
%D 2012
%Z (c) The Authors ; (c) The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences ; Post referee fulltext in progress; Embargo 12 months from publication 
%X As sessile filter feeders, sponges rely on a highly efficient fluid transport system. Their physiology depends on efficient water exchange, which is performed by the aquiferous system. This prominent poriferan anatomical character represents a dense network of incurrent and excurrent canals on which we lack detailed 3D models. To overcome this, we investigated the complex leucon-type architecture in the demosponge Tethya wilhelma using corrosion casting, microtomography, and 3D reconstructions. Our integrative qualitative and quantitative approach allowed us to create, for the first time, high-resolution 3D representations of entire canal systems which were used for detailed geometric and morphometric measurements. Canal diameters lack distinct size classes, and bifurcations are non-uniformly ramified. A relatively high number of bifurcations show previously unknown and atypical cross-sectional area ratios. Scaling properties and topological patterns of the canals indicate a more complex overall architecture than previously assumed. As a consequence, it might be more convenient to group canals into functional units rather than hierarchical clusters. Our data qualify the leucon canal system architecture of T. wilhelma as a highly efficient fluid transport system adapted toward minimal flow resistance. Our results and approach are relevant for a better understanding of sponge biology and cultivation techniques.
%F PUB:(DE-HGF)16
%9 Journal Article
%U <Go to ISI:>//WOS:000301484700003
%R 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2010.00492.x
%U https://bib-pubdb1.desy.de/record/330602