Stability, variability, and parallelisms in the development of distant sensory systems: Olfactory and visual systems in the phylogeny and ontogeny of gastropods

Abstract

The results of studies in the field of olfactory and visual systems of a number of gastropod representatives, differing in the general level of organization, phylogenetic position, habitat, and mode of life are given. The direction, general patterns, features, and parallels in the development of these sensory structures and related integrative brain regions in different phylogenetic lineages of gastropods are traced. Parallels in the development of the olfactory system of mollusks, insects, and vertebrates are shown. The important role of the habitat and mode of life of animals in the formation of specific patterns of evolutionary development of sensory organs is noted.