Authors: Amato, Katherine R.; Emel, Sarah L.; Lindgren, Catrina A.; Sullan, Kathryn M.; Wright, Paul R.; Gilbert, John J.

Source: Bulletin of Marine Science, Volume 82, Number 2, March 2008 , pp. 255-261(7)

Publisher: University of Miami - Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

Abstract:

In Discovery Bay, Jamaica, Tripneustes ventricosus (Lamarck, 1816) and Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck, 1816) co-occur on shallow substrata with varying proportions of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum Banks and Soland. ex Koenig) and coral rubble. Both cover their aboral surface with grass fragments and small pieces of rubble or shell. We tested the hypothesis that these species differ in covering behavior and actively select different covering material. Field observations in three habitats with different proportions of grass cover (< 30% grass, 50% grass, and > 70% grass) showed that L. variegatus covered significantly more of its surface than T. ventricosus in all habitats. The proportion of covering material due to grass increased significantly with the availability of grass in the habitat, and was significantly greater for T. ventricosus. In the mostly rubble habitat (< 30% grass), T. ventricosus still selected 78% grass while L. variegatus selected 92% rubble. A laboratory experiment was conducted in which single sea urchins, collected from each of the three habitats, were presented with equal amounts of grass and pieces of rubble or shell. Consistent with the field observations, L. variegatus covered significantly more of its surface than T. ventricosus, and was significantly more likely than T. ventricosus to select rubble or shell over grass. Clearly, the amount and type of covering material used by these sea urchin species differs and reflects both the availability of material and active choice.

References: 8 references open in new window

Articles that cite this article?

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-03-01

More about this publication?

• The Bulletin of Marine Science is dedicated to the dissemination of high quality research from the world's oceans. All aspects of marine science are treated by the Bulletin of Marine Science, including papers in marine biology, biological oceanography, fisheries, marine affairs, applied marine physics, marine geology and geophysics, marine and atmospheric chemistry, and meteorology and physical oceanography.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• Terms & Conditions
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Biology/Life Sciences ,  Oceanography
• By this author: Amato, Katherine R. ;  Emel, Sarah L. ;  Lindgren, Catrina A. ;  Sullan, Kathryn M. ;  Wright, Paul R. ;  Gilbert, John J.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers