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Intertidal community structure : Experimental studies on the relationship between a dominant competitor and its
1Department of Zoology, University of Washington, 98195, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
The mussel Mytilus californianus forms distinct intertidal bands. Removing predatory starfish Pisaster ochraceus caused mussels to move downward, demonstrating predation
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Rocky Intertidal Ecology
Background:
- Mytilus californianus forms a characteristic band on rocky shores.
- Larval recruitment and predation shape mussel distribution.
- Predators like Pisaster ochraceus and Thais spp. influence mussel zonation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of predation in structuring Mytilus californianus distribution.
- To assess the impact of Pisaster ochraceus removal on mussel zonation patterns.
- To understand the ecological dominance of mussels in intertidal communities.
Main Methods:
- Field observations and photographic records of mussel bands over time.
- Experimental removal of Pisaster ochraceus at Mukkaw Bay and Tatoosh Island.
- Monitoring mussel displacement and changes in community structure.
Main Results:
- Mussel upper and lower distribution limits were found to be constant.
- Manual removal of Pisaster ochraceus led to rapid downward expansion of mussels.
- Mussels excluded over 25 invertebrate and algal species from the primary substratum.
Conclusions:
- Predation by Pisaster ochraceus is a key factor controlling Mytilus californianus zonation.
- Predation enhances coexistence of species by preventing competitive exclusion.
- Intertidal community structure is strongly influenced by biological interactions, not solely physical factors.
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