Seasonal patterns in the reproductive activity of barnacle-dwelling littorinids
Johnson, L.J.; Mill, P.J.; Hull, S.L.; Ducrotoy, J.-P.; Caley, K.J. (2000). Seasonal patterns in the reproductive activity of barnacle-dwelling littorinids. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 80: 821-826
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Johnson, L.J.
- Mill, P.J.
- Hull, S.L.
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- Ducrotoy, J.-P., more
- Caley, K.J.
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| Abstract |
The reproductive activity of a population of barnacle-dwelling littorinids at Peak Steel, on the north-east coast of England, was investigated. Variation in the number of mature males and females, expressed as a percentage of the whole population, showed a marked difference among the barnacle-dwelling littorinids. Littorina neglecta displayed a distinct seasonal component to its reproductive activity, with a peak in early summer. Littorina arcana B also displayed a distinct seasonal component, with a lull in the summer months. However, L. saxatilis B maintained its reproductive activity all year, but with an increase in output in the summer. The reproductive activity of both L. arcana B and L. saxatilis B follow similar patterns of reproductive activity as their typical non barnacle-dwelling forms, suggesting that these are true barnacle-dwelling ecotypes. The controversy surrounding the specific status of L. neglecta is also discussed. |
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