| one publication added to basket [75418] | Shell colour polymorphism in the chiton Ischnochiton striolatus (Gray, 1828) (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) and habitat heterogeneity
Gonçalves Rodrigues, L.T.; Absalão, R.S. (2005). Shell colour polymorphism in the chiton Ischnochiton striolatus (Gray, 1828) (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) and habitat heterogeneity. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 85(4): 543-548. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8312.2005.00513.x
In: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0024-4066; e-ISSN 1095-8312, more
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| Keywords |
Fauna > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic animals > Shellfish > Marine organisms > Marine molluscs
Polymorphism
Polymorphism
Spermatophyta > Angiosperms > Monocotyledons > Cyperales > Poaceae > Crypsis
Ischnochiton (Ischnochiton) striolatus (J. E. Gray, 1828) [WoRMS]; Mollusca [WoRMS]; Polyplacophora [WoRMS]
ASW, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Gonçalves Rodrigues, L.T.
- Absalão, R.S.
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| Abstract |
Shell colour polymorphism was examined in a population of the polyplacophoran Ischnochiton striolatus (Gray, 1828) living on intertidal rocks in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Nine shell colours were identified: green (most common), grey, pink, cream, brown, orange, white, black and purple. The species habitat was also examined using three rock characteristics: volume; turnover frequency, caused by hydrodynamic disturbance; and chromatic composition. Chitons were most frequently encountered on the undersides of rocks of intermediate volume which experienced medium-intensity hydrodynamic disturbance, and which harboured a chromatically rich biotic community. These findings were in agreement with the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis. As chitons depend on the biotic community on rocks for food and shelter, a greater variety of colours could increase the chances of camouflage of the morphs against the background, favouring crypsis. It is likely that the frequency at which intermediate-volume rocks are overturned thus exposing the chitons on them to light would be sufficient for visual predators to act as selective agents. |
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