one publication added to basket [69708] | Population dynamics, biomass and productivity of Limapontia depressa (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia) at Bull Island, Dublin, Ireland
Wilson, J.G.; Forrest, N. (2004). Population dynamics, biomass and productivity of Limapontia depressa (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia) at Bull Island, Dublin, Ireland. Aquat. Ecol. 38(4): 575-585. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10452-004-0310-z
In: Aquatic Ecology. Springer: Dordrecht; London; Boston. ISSN 1386-2588; e-ISSN 1573-5125, more
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Keywords |
Population functions > Growth Reproduction Water bodies > Inland waters > Wetlands > Marshes > Salt marshes Gastropoda [WoRMS]; Limapontia depressa Alder & Hancock, 1862 [WoRMS]; Opisthobranchia [WoRMS] ANE, Ireland, Dublin [Marine Regions] Marine/Coastal |
Author keywords |
growth; reproductive strategy; sacoglossan; saltmarsh |
Abstract |
Limapontia depressa was present in the saltmarsh pools at Bull Island, Dublin from October to June each year. Numbers peaked in December, with a secondary peak in April, and the maximum density recorded was just under 23000 indiv m-2. The strong population seasonal cycle was not linked to salinity or chlorophyll-a cycles but did coincide with the drying of the pools. Average production (P) was 233 kJ m-2 y-1, with a P:B ratio of just 2:1, which is rather low for such a small animal and may be a function of the low growth rate. These conclusions must be treated with caution due to uncertainty over recruitment mechanisms. Gamete output (G) was calculated at a maximum of 28.6 kJ m-2 y-1. This is a higher secondary production than previously reported for saltmarsh herbivores, and may be an important link into the wider estuarine trophic system and a vital food resource for small waders. The low G:P ratio suggests that not all semelparous species necessarily adopt an r-strategy of ‘reproductive recklessness’. |
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