IMIS

Publications | Institutes | Persons | Datasets | Projects | Maps
[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Factors in the distribution of intertidal estuarine polychaetes: a field experiment with Nereis (Hediste diversicolor and Nephtys hombergi in the Tamar at Plymouth
Davey, J.T.; George, C.L. (1986). Factors in the distribution of intertidal estuarine polychaetes: a field experiment with Nereis (Hediste diversicolor and Nephtys hombergi in the Tamar at Plymouth. Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 22(5): 603-618. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0272-7714(86)90016-8
In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keywords
    Competition
    Distribution
    Estuaries
    Sedimentary structures > Mud flats
    Structures > Hydraulic structures > Barrages > Enclosures
    Polychaeta [WoRMS]
    ANE, British Isles, England, English Coast [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Davey, J.T.
  • George, C.L.

Abstract
    A field experiment was conducted over 10 weeks from July to mid-September, 1984, on a mudflat in the lower reaches of the Tamar Estuary at Plymouth, to test the relative importance of environmental factors and species interactions in controlling the distribution of two polychaete species. Nereis (Hediste) diversicolor from an upper shore site were transplanted into a lower shore site nearby which was characterized by the presence of Nephtys hombergi. 65-71% of N. diversicolor which were transplanted in their own sediments, with no contact with N. hombergi, survived the experimental period. The appearance of some small stages of N. diversicolor in these treatments was attributed in part to recruitment from the overlying water. N. diversicolor transplanted directly into N. hombergi-sediment survived in inverse proportion to their numbers and only the lowest densities (equivalent to 480 m−2) survived as well as those in their own sediment. Given the choice to invade the other species' sediment, more N. hombergi than N. diversicolor finally made the change, and there was some evidence that the smallest N. diversicolor suffered predation in consequence. Otherwise there was little evidence for inter-species interaction. There appeared to be some disruption of oocyte maturation of the N. diversicolor which may have been due to changes in tidal rhythm and salinity at the experimental site.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors