Effects of patch-size on populations of intertidal limpets, Siphonaria spp., in a linear landscape

Cole, Victoria J; Johnson, Linda G; McQuaid, Christopher D

Title: Effects of patch-size on populations of intertidal limpets, Siphonaria spp., in a linear landscape
Creator: Cole, Victoria J
Creator: Johnson, Linda G
Creator: McQuaid, Christopher D
Date Issued: 2012
Date: 2012
Type: Article
Identifier: vital:6845
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011050
Description: Organisms with different life-histories and abilities to disperse often utilise habitat patches in different ways. We investigated the influence of the size of patches of rock (separated by stretches of sand) on the density of pulmonate limpets (Siphonaria spp.) along 1500 km of the linear landscape of the South African coastline. We compared the influence of patch-size on two congeneric species with different modes of development, S. serrata a direct developer, and S. concinna a planktonic developer. We tested the spatial and temporal consistency of the effects of patch-size by sampling 7 independent regions spanning the distributional range of both species of limpets, and by sampling one region at monthly intervals for 1 year. Within each region or month, 4 small patches (<20 m in length) interspersed with the 4 large patches (>60 m in length) were sampled. Across the entire geographic range and throughout the year, there were more of both species of limpets in large patches than in small patches. In most regions, there was greater variability in large patches than small patches. Variability within patches in a single region was similar throughout the year, with greater variability of both species in large than in small patches. We found little influence of the mode of development on the response of limpets to patch-size. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding patterns of distribution of species with respect to habitat heterogeneity in linear landscapes, and contradict the idea that organism mobility at an early ontogenetic stage directly affects habitat use.
Format: 11 pages
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: Cole, V.J. and Johnson, L.G. and McQuaid, C.D. (2012) Effects of Patch-Size on Populations of Intertidal Limpets, Siphonaria spp., in a Linear Landscape. PLoS ONE, 7 (12). Available at : http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0052076

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McQuaid, Christopher D (Distinguished Professor)

RU DST/NRF SARChI for Marine Ecosystems and Resources

RU Department of Zoology and Entomology

SDG 14. Life Below Water

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