Studies of Food Preference in Algivorous Invertebrates of Southern California Kelp Beds

Date
1966-01
Authors
Leighton, David L.
Contributor
Advisor
Department
Instructor
Depositor
Speaker
Researcher
Consultant
Interviewer
Annotator
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Hawai'i Press
Volume
Number/Issue
Starting Page
Ending Page
Alternative Title
Abstract
Stands of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, frequently suffer attack by grazing organisms and in some cases complete destruction has been observed. The present investigation of the feeding habits of grazing organisms is primarily concerned with food preferences. Discrimination in choice of plant foods was examined in 11 common invertebrate species of the sublittoral rock bottom fauna of southern California by measuring the differential consumption of seven common algal species in the laboratory. The algae were selected as representing the major floral elements of the kelp bed (Macrocystis pyrifera) community. All of the grazers exhibited high degrees of preference for Macrocystis. Shallow water grazers revealed stronger preferences for Egregia than for Macrocystis. Herbivores found at greater depths indicated strongest preferences for Macrocystis, Laminaria, and Pterygophora, plants that are generally common at these depths . The deepest-living herbivore, Lytechinus, showed greatest preference for a red alga, Gigartina; red algae generally supplant brown algae in dominance at greater depths. Some of the invertebrates refused certain of the marine plants. A specific distaste factor may exist in these cases.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Leighton DL. 1966. Studies of food preference in algivorous invertebrates of southern California kelp beds. Pac Sci 20(1): 104-113.
Extent
Format
Geographic Location
Time Period
Related To
Table of Contents
Rights
Rights Holder
Local Contexts
Email libraryada-l@lists.hawaii.edu if you need this content in ADA-compliant format.