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Date of Award
1979
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
Department
Graduate Studies
First Advisor
Steven Obrebski
First Committee Member
William B. Gladfetter
Second Committee Member
E. H. S[?]
Abstract
Diadema antillarum (Philippi) is a common echinoid grazer in Caribbean reef areas. Field observations in st . Croix, u.s.v.r. an.d Disc. overy Bay, Jamaica and laboratory experiments demonstrate that these urchins have a strong feeding preference for algal turf. Seasonal variation in the abundance of this preferred food item results in increased incidences of live coral predation. Experimental manipulations demonstrate that over the short term food availability is more important than urchin density in determining prey item choice. Size and abundance data show an inverse relationship between urchin density and mean individual urchin size. There is also an inverse relationship between urchin density and algal turf abundance. This relationship is also shown experimentally as well as the effects of urchin grazing intensity on algal primary productivity and the numbers of algal species surviving. Tagging experiments demonstrate that homing behavior exists for these urchins. A simple model is presented to summarize factors regulating Diadema populations and their effects on the benthic algal community.
Pages
69
Recommended Citation
Carpenter, Robert Charles. (1979). The foraging strategy of Diadema antillarum (Philippi) (Echinodermata: Echinoidea). University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/1994
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