The Effect of Wave Action on Growth in Three Species of Intertidal Gastropods
Brown KM and Quinn JF. 1988. The Effect of Wave Action on Growth in Three Species of Intertidal Gastropods. Oecologia. 75(3):420-425
Tagged snails of three different species of limpets were transferred between a protected site at Tomales Bay and Mussel Point on the California Coast. Observations were conducted to determine the effect of wave action and genetic differentiation on the species' growth. Populations of the limpets Collisella digitalis and C. scabra , as well as the thaidid whelk Nucella (Thais) emarginata , had greater mean shell lengths at a protected site (Tomales Bay) than at an exposed site (Mussel Point) on the California coast near the Bodega Marine Laboratory. While factors such as genetic differentiation and competition may partially explain why gastropods are on the average smaller at exposed sites, the authors suggest that wave action may also play a role, possibly by limiting time available for feeding, and therefore energy available for growth.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Brown, Kenneth; Quinn, James
- Units
- GOGA , PORE
- Keywords
- Aquatic Science, Gastropods, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Growth, intertidal snails, Invertebrates, Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay, wave action