Molecular Biology


Nudibranchs use chemical messages for intra- and interspecific communication. Pheromone-laden mucus is laid down by the muscular foot, and mediates communication between individuals of the same species (Painter et al. 1998). Inerspecific communication is also mediated by chemical messages. Terpenes are the predominant chemical class in trophic interactions between nudibranchs and sponges (Cimino et al. 1999, Fontana et al. 2003).

Because of this avid use and reliance upon chemical messages, the trophic relationships of nudibranchs can be documented by tracing the path of molecular markers through a population. Such documentation allows for the study of many community interactions, even in the absence of direct observation. (Ianora et al. 2006)