Spatiotemporal Size-Class Distribution of Turbanella mustela (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) on a Northern California Beach and Its Effect on Tidal Suspension
Date
1999-01
Authors
Contributor
Advisor
Department
Instructor
Depositor
Speaker
Researcher
Consultant
Interviewer
Narrator
Transcriber
Annotator
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Hawai'i Press
Volume
Number/Issue
Starting Page
Ending Page
Alternative Title
Abstract
The size-class distribution of the marine interstitial gastrotrich
Turbanella mustela Wieser was analyzed at a high-energy beach in northern
California. Five 100-um size classes, each corresponding to a particular sexual
phase of the species, fluctuated in percentage abundance at both temporal and
spatial scales. On average, the most abundant size classes over the 3-day period
were the 100-199-um group (prereproductive juveniles) and the 200-299-um
group (male phase). Significant differences were evident spatially, where aggregations
at the vertical and horizontal level contributed to patchy size-class
distributions. Members of the largest size class (postreproductive or male
phase) were in low abundance, and juveniles and reproductive individuals made
up the bulk of the population. The smallest size class (100-199 um) was most
aggregated in the top 5 cm of sand and differed significantly in percentage
abundance from all other size classes at that depth. This size class is also the
only size class to decrease significantly in percentage abundance on a vertical
scale and increase in percentage abundance on a horizontal scale. Three hypotheses
accounting for the observed size-class variations are entertained: sexual
phase stratification, interspecific interactions, and intraspecific trophic relations.
All three hypotheses are important for understanding the importance of
these size-class aggregations and may lead to a better understanding of the
factors that influence local spatial patterns in gastrotrichs. Size-class stratification
may also function in the planktonic dispersal of individuals in both tidal
and longshore directions, ultimately affecting the geographic distribution of the
species.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Hochberg R. 1999. Spatiotemporal size-class distribution of Turbanella mustela (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida) on a northern California beach and its effect on tidal suspension. Pac Sci 53(1): 50-60.
Extent
Format
Geographic Location
Time Period
Related To
Related To (URI)
Table of Contents
Rights
Rights Holder
Local Contexts
Collections
Email libraryada-l@lists.hawaii.edu if you need this content in ADA-compliant format.