Impact of predators and resource abundance levels on physiological traits of Fissurella crassa (Archeogastropoda)

Authors

  • M. Roberto García-Huidobro Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Escuela de Pedagogía en Biología y Ciencias, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago, Chile
  • José Miguel Pulgar Águila Departamento Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
  • Victor Manuel Pulgar Águila Center for Research in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem NC, USA
  • Marcela Aldana Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Escuela de Pedagogía en Biología y Ciencias, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago, Chile

Keywords:

Foraging activity, Heliaster helianthus, intermareal, measured through traits, scape response

Abstract

The effects of predators on the density of prey and their resources have been widely studied; however, there is little evidence on the effects of the predators in conjunction with the availability of resources on the traits of the prey, which could affect foraging activities. In this study, the physiological state and the escape response of the intertidal herbivore Fissurella crassa were evaluated in two sites which differ in terms of the abundance of its predator Heliaster helianthus. The results suggest that the escape response of F. crassa in the site with greater predator density and lower resource availability could require a better body condition that is compensated with increments in foraging. The results highlight the need to address the physiological perspective in community ecology in order to understand the interactions within these
communities.

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How to Cite

García-Huidobro, M. R., Pulgar Águila, J. M., Pulgar Águila, V. M., & Aldana, M. (2016). Impact of predators and resource abundance levels on physiological traits of Fissurella crassa (Archeogastropoda). HIDROBIOLÓGICA, 25(2), 161–173. Retrieved from https://hidrobiologica.izt.uam.mx/index.php/revHidro/article/view/473

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