Dispersion In Populations Of Tropiometra Carinata (crinoidea: Comatulida) In The São Sebastião Channel, São Paulo State, Brazil

To understand the patterns of spatial distribution in populations of Tropiometra carinata (Lamarck), bi-monthly samples were collected in two areas of shallow water (Ponta do Baleeiro; PB, and Cabelo Gordo Beach; CG), in the São Sebastião Channel, using a grid superimposed on the habitat. A pattern of clumped dispersion was observed, with values for Morisita's Index significantly different from those of a random pattern. The mean densities at PB and CG, from December 1997 to October 1998, were respectively 2.20 ± 0.21 (SD) and 2.32 ± 0.28 (SD) individuals m-2. The length of the longest arm was used as an indicator of specimen size. The mean size at PB was 11.76 ± 0.53 cm and at CG, 9.65 ± 0.18 cm. The mean size of solitary individuals was greater than for clumped individuals in both areas. Small individuals tended to attach near clumps of greater individuals. The five principal microhabitats selected by these crinoids were lateral, upper and lower rock surfaces and lateral and upper rock crevices, with preferential attachment to lateral rock surfaces. The extent of substratum coverage by the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum varied between areas (74.1% at PB and 38.1% at CG), as did the association Tropiometra-Palythoa (81.4% at PB and 44.5% at CG). The clumped dispersion seen here optimizes filtration by enhancing the baffle effect. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.542219225Begon, M., Harper, J.L., Townsend, C.R., (1996) Ecology:Individuals, Populations and Communities. 3rd Edn., , Blackwell Science, Oxford 1068 ppBrower, J.E., Zar, J.H., (1984) Field & Laboratory Methods for General Ecology. 2nd Edn., , WCC McGraw-Hill, Boston 226 ppCameron, J.L., Fankboner, P.V., Reprodutive biology of the commercial sea cucumber Parastichopus californicus (Stimpson) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea). II. 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Reproductive Cycle Of Ophionereis Reticulata (ophiuroidea, Echinodermata) On The Southeast Coast Of Brazil

The reproductive cycle of Ophionereis reticulata, a common sediment-rocky shore-interface ophiuroid, was examined monthly from January 2002 to January 2003 at Praia Grande beach (São Sesbatião, state of São Paulo, Brazil). Mature individuals were found from January 2002 to April 2002 and from November 2002 to January 2003. Spawning was regcorded from January 2002 to March 2002 and from November 2002 to January 2003. Mature sperm is still present in April which could be involved in the fertilization of the last oocytes spawned in March and April. November and December marked the final point in the maturation process, with a high concentration of yolk and lipid nutrients in the oocytes. Ophionereis reticulata showed, for the period analyzed, a single spawning period, during spring and summer. © 2008 Balaban.512111118Boolootian, R.A., Reproductive physiology (1966) Physiology of Echinodermata, pp. 561-614. , R.A. 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How The Timing Of Predation Affects Composition And Diversity Of Species In A Marine Sessile Community?

Predation during the early life history stages, when organisms are susceptible to both biotic and abiotic factors, is likely to have pervasive effects on community development. However, few studies have examined the relative importance of predation during early life-history stages on long-term community composition. Using a sessile marine community, we conducted a manipulative experiment to measure the effect of timing and extent of predator exposure. Every month over a 5. month period we assessed taxa composition, dominance and taxa richness in each of the following five treatments: 1) never predated, 2) always predated, 3) early predated (during the first month of community development), 4) late predated and 5) uncaged panels. Predation was very important in determining taxa identity and dominance, reducing spatial monopolization by ascidians and increasing the area occupied by bryozoans, but overall predation did not result in a more diverse community. The localized extinction of ascidians in predation treatments was compensated by an increase in the diversity of bryozoans and barnacles. Interestingly, predation during the early stages of community development had only short-term effects on the taxa richness and composition. After 5. months, predator exclusion during the early life-history stages had no effect on community composition and only current levels of predation determined differences in composition. Our results show that predation can cause changes in community composition, directly and indirectly, without necessary changing the total number of co-occurring taxa. 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