DIntroFIG 3: Adaptations of the dauer larvae favoring survival and dispersal.

Dauers exhibit a thickened cuticle that overlies and seals the buccal opening thus preventing feeding. Dauers are radially constricted with shrunken tissues and display specialized behaviors including nictation and characteristic locomotory patterns. Germline development is arrested. These adaptations are important for dauer survival and dispersal to favorable environments. [Image source: S. S. Lee, Cornell University.]

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