Patterns of gill structure and development as taxononomic characters in bivalve molluscs [Mollusca, Bivalvia>

Variation of some structural and developmental characteristics of ctenidia was studied in bivalves representing the families Mytilidae, Unionidae, Dreissenidae, Sphaeriidae and Cardiidae. Fingernail and pill clams were investigated most thouroughly. Significant differences in the outer demibranch position were found in Sphaeriidae (in the genus Pisidium) and Cardiidae. In the first family, correlation between the outer demibranch position and the time of its ontogenetic origin is observed. Some taxonomic interpretations of the described differences are discussed. For Unio and Anodonta, the differences in the outer demibranch growth rate are demonstrated.