Interactions between the limpet Patelloida latistrigata and algae on an intertidal rock platform
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چکیده
The small acmaeid limpet Patelloida lat istr~gata Angas and clumps of macroalgae are found in midshore intertidal regions dominated by barnacles. Interactions between limpet and algae were investigated experimentally to determine the effect of the herbivore on microalgae (this term includes propagules of macroalgae) as well as on macroalgal plants, and also the influence of both forms of algae on the behaviour of the limpet. P. latistrigata grazed on propagules of all algae, even species previously reported to be unaffected by grazing. The high diversity of algae in ungrazed areas was due to the abundance of microscopic propagules. Although limpets survived on macroalgae they tended to migrate to bare rock and grazed on rnicroalgae. Large germlings of ephemeral algae were not efficiently digested but could support limpet survival. Although P. latjstrjgata is a generalist grazer of microalgae, experiments reveal that its microalgal grazing is not obligatory.
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In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f o Testudinalia testudinalis, the only species of intertidal limpet in the northwest Atla...
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