Vertical distribution of a colonial ascidian on a coral reef: the roles of larval dispersal and life history variation
Article Abstract:
Growth, fecundity, survival rate of established individuals and larval movements were studied in the colonial ascidian Diplosoma similis to show how larval dispersal in combination with environmentally influenced life-history variations can shape the vertical distribution of a species. The results showed a non-random vertical distribution of D. similis which is partly due to active habitat selection by larvae and to differential growth. The implications for population-dynamics models of sessile marine organisms that are based on assumptions of random larval dispersal are discussed.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1992
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Chemical alarm signals: predator deterrents or predator attractants?
Article Abstract:
The evolution of chemical alarm signals in senders can serve the purpose of predator deterrence and/or predator attraction. A study on the alarm substance of fathead minnows and its impact on two different predators, the northern pike and the predaceous diving beetle, is presented. The study revealed that predators found skin extracts with alarm substance more attractive than extracts that lack alarm substance. Another interesting conclusion is the idea that predators find this attraction helpful to locate their next meal.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1995
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Adaptive significance of the timing of larval release by crabs
Article Abstract:
Studies on the hatching pattern of intertidal crabs indicate that risk of predation by visual predators in the egg-bearing, embryo and larval stages influences the hatching pattern. Larval release on high tides of increased amplitudes facilitates rapid transportation of the larvae and reduces rate of inundation, thereby attenuating the risk of predation.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1995
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