Predator and population density control of homing behavior in the Caribbean echinoid Diadema antillarum
Carpenter R. 1984. Predator and population density control of homing behavior in the Caribbean echinoid Diadema antillarum. Marine Biology. 82:101-108
A study that looks at the frequency of homing behavior (the percent that returns to the same crevice), the important factors in controlling this behavior and the utilization of constant foraging in sea urchins. The frequency of homing behavior (percent returns to the same crevice) of Diadema antillarum Philippi varied from 30 to 84% among areas. Frequency of homing was positively correlated with predator abundance and negatively correlated with sea urchin density. D. antillarum evaluates the protective quality of crevices and more readily vacates low quality crevices than more protective ones when a simulated predation attempt occurs. Previously grazed portions of the foraging range of homing individuals do not appear to be regrazed on successive nights and an avoidance of such areas is suggested. This predatormediated behavior pattern and its effects on coral reef communities may be a tropical analog to predator-sea urchin-algal relationships in temperate marine communities.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Carpenter, R.C.
- Units
- BUIS
- Keywords
- Behavior, Community, crevice fidelity, Foraging, predator abundance, sea urchin