The importance of feeding in two species of soritid Foraminifera with algal symbionts
Lee, J.J.; Bock, W.D. (1976). The importance of feeding in two species of soritid Foraminifera with algal symbionts. Bull. Mar. Sci. 26(4): 530-537
In: Bulletin of Marine Science. University of Miami Press: Coral Gables. ISSN 0007-4977; e-ISSN 1553-6955, more
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Keywords |
Algae Calcium Diets Equipment > Measuring devices > Respirometers Feeding Primary production Radioactive isotopes > Radioisotopes Reefs > Biogenic deposits > Coral reefs Symbionts Tracers Thalassia Banks ex König, 1805 [WoRMS] ASW, USA, Florida [Marine Regions] Marine/Coastal |
Abstract |
The carbon budgets and rates of calcification of Archaias angulatus and Sorites marginalis, 2 spp of symbiont-containing soritid foraminifera, were studied in situ in Key largo Sound, Florida. Respirometric and radionuclide techniques were used to measure mid-day primary production, calcification, and feeding rates. The algae used in the tracer-feeding studies were prominent spp from the local Thalassia community and spp which are excellent food sources for other spp of littoral benthic foraminifera. Tracer feeding studies clearly indicated that feeding was the more important process at midday; the ratio of carbon gain in both foraminifera-symbiont systems by feeding to primary production was >= 10:1. The rate of primary production was generally greater in A. angulatus than in S. marginalis. The diets of the 2 spp of foraminifera were relatively non-overlapping. Under the experimental conditions both spp deposited ~ 4% of dry wt in additional calcium per day. Small specimens of A. angulatus deposited ~1.8x more calcium than did larger specimens. Under the experimental conditions, light did not enhance the rate of calcification. |
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