Author URLs
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-10-1989
Subject: LCSH
Benthos
Disciplines
Biology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Marine Biology
Abstract
Using a laboratory model system comprised of newly settled oysters Crassostrea virginica and established fouling species (Botrylloides sp. initially, and others including Styela clava and Ciona intestinalis as the experiment progressed), we tested how differences in food supply and competitor density may affect post-settlement surivorship and growth of sessile marine invertebrates over a 44 d period. After 15 d, results were mixed but indicated that both food and density conditions affected growth and survivorship significantly, with some suggestion of high food levels ameliorating high density effects However, 44 d after settlement, oysters had reduced survivorship and growth when competitors were present regardless of food level. This study suggests that localized food depletion by juveniles and/or adults of resident species may have a negative effect on recruitment in fouling communities, even when space is not limiting.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Repository Citation
Zajac, Roman; Whitlatch, Robert B.; and Osman, Richard W., "Effects of Inter-Specific Density and Food Supply on Survivorship and Growth of Newly Settled Benthos" (1989). Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications. 9.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/biology-facpubs/9
Publisher Citation
Zajac, R., Whitlatch R., & Osman, R. (1989). Effects of inter-specific density and food supply on survivorship and growth of newly settled benthos. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 56, 127-132.
Comments
Full text available after 5 years; archives posted at Inter-Research Science Center site, http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/ .