The performance of an intertidal predator Thais lapillus, in relation to structural heterogeneity
Gosselin, L.A. (1989). The performance of an intertidal predator Thais lapillus, in relation to structural heterogeneity. J. Anim. Ecol. 58(1): 287-303. https://dx.doi.org/10.2307/5001
In: Journal of Animal Ecology. Blackwell Science/British Ecological Society: Oxford. ISSN 0021-8790; e-ISSN 1365-2656, more
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| Keywords |
Abundance
Growth rate
Heterogeneity
Homogeneity
Interspecific relationships > Predation
Interspecific relationships > Predation > Prey selection
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
(1) The influence of substratum heterogeneity on the performance (prey selection, predation rate, protection against high temperatures, desiccation and wave action, growth rates, substratum preference) of the northern Atlantic intertidal predator, Thais (Nucella) lapillus L. was examined experimentally in the field. (2) Dogwhelks had higher growth rates on heterogeneous than on homogeneous surfaces. (3) Barnacles were of higher quality as prey and varied less in abundance on heterogeneous than on homogeneous substrata. (4) Dogwhelks were better protected against wave action on heterogeneous than on homogeneous substrata. (5) Dogwhelks strongly preferred heterogeneous over homogeneous substrata. (6) Dogwhelk performance was higher on heterogeneous than on homogeneous substrata. |
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