Axial structure in scleractinia - A question

[acvascon at AX.APC.ORG]

My present work is related to some species of lophophyllid corals
(Anthozoa-Rugosa-Lophophyllidae). Lophophyllid corals descriptions
are always associated with its axial structure (columela), being
this character of great variability, even in the same specimen. Then
I`d like to ask some questions to those involved with recent solitary
corals.

1) Anybody knows about any solitary Scleractinia that shows variations
in its columela?

2) Columela diversity are always related to environmental conditions?

3) Is that character of taxonomic value for recent solitary forms?

4) That character changes during ontogeny in recent forms?

5) Homeomorphy is common in recent solitary forms?

  I`d be pleased to hear some comments from you.

  cheers
     Alberto

Alberto Correa de Vasconcellos
UFRJ/Geociencias
acvascon at ax.apc.org