prottule

Prottule is a term used in the field of biology to describe a type of larval stage in certain species of annelid worms, particularly in the class Polychaeta. The term is derived from the Greek words "protos," meaning first, and "telos," meaning end, reflecting the transitional nature of this stage between the juvenile and adult forms. Prottules are characterized by their segmented bodies, which are a key feature of annelids, and they typically possess a reduced number of segments compared to the adult worm. This stage is often associated with a period of rapid growth and development, during which the prottule undergoes significant morphological changes to prepare for its transformation into the adult form. The exact duration and characteristics of the prottule stage can vary among different species of polychaete worms, but it generally serves as a crucial intermediate stage in their life cycle.