Evolution & Systematics
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropod
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Infraclass: Opisthobranchia
Order: Nudibranchia
Suborder: Aeolidoidea
Family: Facelinidae
Genus: Godiva
Godiva is a member of the subclass Opistobranchia which is part of the larger Gastropod class. Opistobranch’s are characterized by shell reduction or loss, detorsion, and development of secondary bilateral symmetry (Ruppert et al, 2004). One of the effects of detorsion is the loss of the twisted prosobranch nervous system found in other gastropods with a secondarily bilaterally symmetrical (euthyneurous) system. The ganglia in this system are highly concentrated and cephalized nervous system that in some cases even fuse to form a central brain (Ruppert et al, 2004). With the loss of the shell animals in this infraclass developed secondary defenses to compensate. Many have skin glands that produce acid or other noxious substances to repel potential predators (Wagele & Willan, 2000). Some utilize nematocysts or other chemical defenses from prey items they ingest. Most opisthobranchs utilize colors in their defense; either to warn predators of their distastefulness or as enviromental camouflage (Ruppert et al, 2004).
Aeolidoidea (previously Euaeolidioidea) is a suborder within Nudibranchia and the larger Opisthobranch. Organisms in this suborder are most easily distinguished by the colorful projections on their dorsal side that are respiratory organ, defense and signal all in one organ(Behrens, 2005). They are the cerata. The extended oral tentacles and elongated body also denote the body plan of aeolids. The four cephalic protrusions of the oral tentacles and rhinophores make them immediately recognizable (Ruppert et al, 2004).
Godiva is a genus of nudibranch containing many genera that have yet to be officially classified as a species. The species under scrutiny here is one such species. It is morphologically similar to Godiva rachelae; sharing a similar body plan and range. The primary difference lies in the coloration of the two species. Because not enough is known about the color variation of Godiva rachelae to definitively decide whether the two species are separate this animal will remain unclassified until more information is brought to light. |