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Date of Award

4-21-1992

Document Type

Restricted Thesis: Campus only access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Roni J. Kingsley

Abstract

Calcification is a widespread process in both vertebrate and invertebrate phyla. The formation of bones and teeth in vertebrates occurs as a result of the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals. In invertebrates, there is a broader variety of calcified structures, most of which are calcium carbonate. Some invertebrates form calcified bodily encasements such as mollusc shells and coral reefs, while others form calcified structures which are found throughout the body in the form of either spicules or ossicles such as those found in sponges. It is, therefore, clearly evident that a geat diversity of calcified structures exist in invertebrates species. However, the process of invertebrate calcification is much less documented than is found for vertebrate species.

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