Note
Polychaetes have among the most diverse reproductive patterns observed in the Metazoa(Schroeder and Hermans,1975). They show unusual variability and diversity not demonstrated by other invertebrate groups with respect to the complexity of their ovaries and the mechanisms of vitellogenesis (Eckelbarger, 1983, 1984a, 1988). Because it is now an accepted concept that observed variation in patterns of egg organization reflect subsequent differences in larval ecology (see Wounns, 1987), a comparative study of polychaete oogenesis is an appropriate subject of investigation if one wishes to understand better the evolution of reproductive patterns in this and other invertebrate groups.