On the Modes of the Formation of the Exoskeleton in Early Jawless Vertebrates (Osteostraci, Agnatha)

Based on recently obtained original and published data on the fine structure of the external skeleton of osteostracan agnathans (Osteostraci, Agnatha), possible modes of the formation of their hard cover in the course of the horizontal growth of the exoskeleton are characterized. The developmental models for the formation of various configurations of cephalothoracic shields typical for osteostracans are revealed. It is shown that, in the morphogenesis of the hard cover of this group of early vertebrates, a significant part of the variants of the exoskeleton horizontal growth characteristic of early vertebrates are observed.