The Odiorne Point rocky intertidal zone is a niche that holds numerous stressors that require specific adaptations from the organisms that come to inhabit this diverse environment. What is particularly unique to communities such as the rocky intertidal is the existence of sub-habitats, or zones, within the entirety of a rocky intertidal space. These “zones” are identified by the abundance of the species that occupy it, both autotrophic and heterotrophic. The Odiorne zones of focus include the “Black/Spray Zone”, the “Periwinkle Zone”, and the “Barnacle Zone”. Zones can also be identified by examination of its abiotic factors. To serve as an example to abiotic analysis, the presence of ge latinous cyanobacteria growing on boulders serve as a marker of the “Black …show more content…
littoria can be summarized as “ephemeral algae that typically lack chemical and morphological defenses” (Dolecal, 2013), making it well suited for the algae abundant upper-tidal. The simultaneous existence of the invasive species H. Sanguineus is evidence to the opportunistic nature of specific niches, as the Asian shore crab is not a native to this rocky intertidal. Researcher John Tiedemann observed the presence of H. Sanguineus along the Barnegat Bay region of New Jersey, as the invasion is evident along multiple coasts in Northeastern United States. Citing research from 1988, he states that “adult Asian shore crabs tend to favor low energy intertidal shorelines consisting of a variety of material, from cobble to boulders (Fukui, 1988). Originally, they were reported to primarily occur in the middle and upper intertidal zone (Fukai, 1988; McDermott, 1992, 1998)” (Tiedemann 2015). This record of typical location for H. Sanguineus implies that it is encroached on/adjacent to much of the intertidal areas that are occupied by L. littoria. It is probable that Asian shore crabs reside in the algae abundant areas of the Rocky Intertidal in order to maximize their predation of Periwinkle
T. californicus is found from Alaska to Baja in small, shallow tidepools and tidal flats in the upper spray zone where they cannot avoid the full effect of visible and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Individuals assemble in areas of lower radiation at midday, yet have no preference to the intensity of light at dawn and dusk (Hartline and Macmillan 1995). These tiny arthropods inhabit all types of marine sediments from sand to fine mud and ooze. Along with plankton, T. californicus eats microscopic algae, protists, bacteria, diatoms, algae and microbes (McGroarty 1958). When the concentrations of the species in their habitats are high, T. californicus will turn to cannibalism for a food source. The nautilus eye present in the species is rich with fatty acids and provides a good food source for the animal.
If someone is a native of Maryland, they know exactly what one is talking about when the Maryland Blue Crab is brought up into a discussion. In 1989, the Maryland Blue Crab, scientifically known as the Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, was designated the State Crustacean (Blue Crab, Maryland State Crustacean). This crab is not only a key component on the ecological system of the Chesapeake Bay, but also a key economical component of commercial fisheries; although not endangered, the issue of maintaining the population of the species is critical to the Chesapeake Bay and also its inhabitants.
The understanding of Saballaria cementarium's diet has not been thoroughly examined in much detail. Qian and Chia (1990) examined the role of detritus, form of eelgrass, as a food source for developing larvae of the organism. It is not known whether they are food limited. The experiment was conducted to reveal some facts about the feeding habits of the larvae in determining the development and growth of it. The invertebrate larvae's primary food source comes from the phytoplankton that is found in abundance at the bottom of the sea floor. The larvae fed with detritus were compared with those fed on equal concentrations of phytoplankton. Other tests were conducted to compare the degrees of survivorship among the larvae using varying concentrations of phytoplankton. Higher concentrations of phytoplankton, consumed by the larvae, yielded
In conducting my research, I observed activity on a rocky shore off the coast of Washington in the Northwest United States (workbook). This environment inhabits 10 species in shallow water nearly on top of each other. Each species helps form a complicated ecosystem where species protect, consume, and compete for space with other species. Out of the 10 species there are three producers, three sessile consumers (otherwise known as filter feeders), and four mobile consumers- one of which is an invasive species. In this environment the producers are Nori Seaweed (Porphyra), Black Pine (Neorhodomela), and Coral Weed (Corallina). Producers make their own food through sunlight, so only have predators and competition for space. Coral Weed is the strongest
Glibert, Patricia M. and Daniel E. Terlizzi. “Nutrients, Phytoplankton, and Pfiesteria In the Chesapeake Bay.” Available: http://www.arec.umd.edu/policy/Pfiesteria/terlizzi/terlizzi.htm (22 Nov. 1999).
The bay's harvest and many of its other attractions bring tourists and in turn revenue for the area. Oysters and blue crab are a big part of the culture in the bay area. However, these organisms are in danger and need help. Description of the problem Eutrophication is a concern in the Chesapeake Bay. Eutrophication is caused by excessive amounts of nutrients.
The Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is an invasive saltwater predator that is increasing exponentially in the tropics of the western Atlantic (Benkwitt, 2013). The Lionfish invasion is causing a dramatic decline in native marine reef species due the gluttony of the lionfish.
The tidal salt marshes make vital contributions to the ecosystem in Jamaica Bay. The marshes help spawning processes and are primary nursery for species important to both recreational and commercial uses, providing protection from storm surges, and also removing pollutants and other toxic substances, which as a result, acts as a natural filter, improving the water quality in the bay. Salt marshes are low lying, grasslands that periodically become overwhelmed and drained by high tides. The fish and shellfish nurseries and are also a feeding ground for various species of wildlife in the ecosystem. They support a variety of invertebrates such as mussels, shrimp, oysters and horseshoe crabs that are key elements of the estuarine ecosystem. However, throughout the past few decades, the salt marshes at Jamaica Bay has significantly declined which created a tremendous negative impact on the general public in addition to the deterioration on the living habitats in the area. Many factors contribute to the decline such as sediment depletion, neighboring developments, increased tidal ranges, and especially nitrogen loading from untreated sewage. Although the damages done were unintentional, much of it was occurred due to negligence. As awareness has increased, restoration efforts have escalated as well as various groups respond well to mitigate the losses.
Orconectes rusticus, also known as Rusty crayfish, are freshwater benthic omnivores that are important in the lentic ecosystem (Nilsson, E, et al, 2012). Nilsson et al, observed how the Rusty crayfish that are native to the Ohio River valley in North America are dispersing to other lakes and becoming an invader of that ecosystem. Rusty crayfish feed on the microphytes, (Nilsson, E, et al, 2012) which are aquatic plants that enhance water transparency and aquatic biodiversity in fresh water ecosystems (Peeters Ehm, et al. (2013)). Microphytes also provide shelter and food for native fishes such as lepomis. Lepomis also prey on the juvenile rusty crayfish. Abundances of rusty crayfish, macrophytes and Lepomis were associated by a feedback that
Our increased appetite for coastal area living, a preference that will likely develop as global temperatures increase, coupled with a rise in seaborne trade and transport, will all contribute to the shaping of future tropical marine ecosystems. Between the years of 1980 and 2000 seaborne trade was shown to increase by 37%, and has continued steadily ever since (Peters 2001). The global mean of ocean transportation is widely acknowledged as a dominant vector regarding invasive species introduction (Carlton 1985), by means of the translocation of larvae and marine microorganisms. One investigation conservatively reported ballast water containing 8 different animal phyla and 5 protist phyla consisting of a total of 81 species (Chu et al., 1997). It is also suggested that at any one moment in time, 10,000 species are transported through ballast water globally (Carlton 1999). An example of a successful invasive transfer via ballast water is the invasion of the comb jelly, Mnemiopsis leidyi, which invaded the Caspian Sea in 1982 (Ivanov et al., 2000). Another ballast water mediated species in recent times is the Pacific brittle star species Ophiactis savignyi, which has now successfully integrated into the tropical West Atlantic (Roy and Sponer 2002). Various management strategies have been manufactured to prevent these ballast tank related problems,
This research focuses on Gambierdiscus toxicus which is an armored, marine, benthic species in the phylum Dinoflagellata. It has an epitheca and a hypotheca, that is very similar in size, compressed anterio-posteriorly. The theca is covered with numerous deep and dense pores which are very thick. This species is autotrophic creating energy via several golden-brown chloroplasts (Hackett et al 2004), but is also heterotrophic and hence is referred to as mixotrophic. It has a ventrally – oriented crescent shaped nucleus. (Adachi & Fukuyo 1979). It usually inhabits warmer waters such as bay, mediterranian, tropical/sub – tropical in North/Central America (Shiumuzu et al 1982; Loeblich & Indelicato 1986), Asia/Pacific (Holmes & Tao 2002; Lu & Hodgkiss 2004) and has recently been identified in the Mediterranean (Aligizaki & Nikolaidis 2008). These authors identified the organisms to genus level, at best of their effort, so may have been one of the less common members of its genus although it is unlikely.
The Great Barrier Reef is an exemplary model of the famous exotic coral reef seen in a copy of the National Geographic or the popular animated film Finding Nemo. Located on the coast of Australia, it is known as the “largest biological organism in the world” (“Human Impact on the Great Barrier Reef” par. 1). The idea bears that coral reefs are again not an assortment of organisms functioning separately but rather working together to thrive. The groups of coral that are seen in t...
Fluvioglacial Landforms landforms deposited by meltwater from glaciers. some found within the glacier and some under the glacier. outwash plains- composed of sand, gravel and clay (from snout). deposited during times of inc. ablation (glacial retreat).
Seagrass is not just a food source for micro species, but also macro species such as manatees, turtles, dolphins and dugongs (Yamada and Kumagai 2012). These marine organisms are all supported directly and indirectly by seagrasses, with some entirely dependent on it. Seagrass is often underestimated in its significance as the vast role that it plays in the oceans ecosystem is not fully understood. ...