Density-dependent recruitment after winter disturbance on tidal flats by the lugworm Arenicola marina |
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Authors: | K Reise M Simon E Herre |
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Institution: | (1) Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Wattenmeerstation Sylt, 25992 List, Germany, |
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Abstract: | The polychaete Arenicola marina is abundant and widespread on intertidal sand flats in K?nigshafen (island of Sylt, North Sea). Juveniles overwinter in subtidal
channels and then colonize the upper tidal zone above the range of the adults. In the summers of 1995 and 1997, after a mild
and a moderate winter, a distinct nursery belt fringing the shoreline was apparent. The severe winter of 1995/96 changed this
pattern. Population size of the adults was halved, and in summer 1996 the juveniles were no longer restricted to an upper
intertidal belt and settled over a wide range of tidal flats where adults were diminished. This spatial expansion of recruits
is assumed to be a density-dependent response. An overcompensation by one-third of the previous population size did not carry
over into the next year. Compared to some other species of the tidal-flat fauna, the disturbance effect by the severe winter
on the lugworm population was small and brief.
Received in revised form: 7 May 2001
Electronic Publication |
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Keywords: | Arenicola marina Winter Recruitment Adult– juvenile interaction Wadden Sea |
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