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Sublethal predation and regeneration in two onuphid polychaetes: patterns and implications
Sarah K Berke1, Veronica Cruz, Richard W Osman
1Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Rd., Edgewater, Maryland 21037, USA. skberke@gmail.com
The Biological Bulletin
|December 31, 2009
Summary
Sublethal predation, where organisms lose body parts but survive, is more intense in Virginia than Florida for the marine worm Diopatra cuprea. This predation impacts worm activity and tube-building, affecting marine ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
- Invertebrate Zoology
Background:
- Diopatra cuprea is a key ecosystem engineer in marine sediments.
- This polychaete worm frequently experiences sublethal predation, losing antennae and anterior body parts.
- Regeneration of lost body parts is a common response in D. cuprea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare sublethal predation intensity on D. cuprea between Virginia and Florida populations.
- To investigate temporal variations in sublethal predation within each region.
- To assess the influence of sublethal predation on D. cuprea activity and tube-building rates.
- To compare predation and regeneration between D. cuprea and Americonuphis magna in Florida.
Main Methods:
- Field surveys to quantify sublethal predation rates (antennal and anterior losses).
- Temporal sampling to assess seasonal variations in predation intensity.
- Behavioral observations and measurements of tube-building rates.
- Comparative analysis between D. cuprea and A. magna.
Main Results:
- Sublethal predation intensity was significantly higher in Virginia than in Florida.
- Americonuphis magna experienced more antennal loss than D. cuprea in Florida and cannot regenerate anterior segments.
- Anterior body loss strongly affected D. cuprea activity and tube-building, while antennal loss had a subtler impact.
Conclusions:
- Sublethal predation is a more substantial factor influencing D. cuprea populations and communities in Virginia compared to Florida.
- The capacity for regeneration influences the ecological impact of sublethal predation.
- Understanding sublethal predation is crucial for assessing the population dynamics and ecological roles of D. cuprea.
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