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Differences in anti-predator traits of a native bivalve following invasion by a habitat-forming seaweed
Citation
Wright, JT and Byers, JE and Koukoumaftsis, LP and Gribben, PE, Differences in anti-predator traits of a native bivalve following invasion by a habitat-forming seaweed, Marine and Freshwater research, 63, (3) pp. 246-250. ISSN 1448-6059 (2012) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2012 CSIRO
DOI: doi:10.1071/MF11184
Abstract
Invasive habitat-forming species cause large changes to the abiotic environment, which may lead to lethal and
sublethal effects on native fauna. In this study, we tested whether morphological anti-predator traits of an infaunal bivalve,
Anadara trapezia, differed between areas invaded by the habitat-forming seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia and uninvaded
habitats in estuaries in New South Wales, Australia. Caulerpa changes the abiotic environment in ways that may affect
traits of native species. In particular, there is lower water flow, lower dissolved oxygen in the water and sediments are more
silty and anoxic than in unvegetated habitat. To test our hypotheses, we collected Anadara from Caulerpa and uninvaded
habitats and measured shell thickness, shell strength and resistance to opening of valves. We found that all three traits were
reduced in Anadara from Caulerpa habitat compared with Anadara from uninvaded habitats. These findings are consistent
with the idea that trait modifications in native fauna in response to invasive habitat-forming species can potentially
increase susceptibility to predation.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | Anadara trapezia, bivalve, Caulerpa taxifolia, invasive seaweed, predation, shell strength, traits |
Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
Research Group: | Ecology |
Research Field: | Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Management of Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments |
Objective Field: | Biodiversity in Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments |
UTAS Author: | Wright, JT (Associate Professor Jeffrey Wright) |
ID Code: | 81207 |
Year Published: | 2012 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 6 |
Deposited By: | NC Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability |
Deposited On: | 2012-11-27 |
Last Modified: | 2017-11-01 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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