IR Home
MEPS
Home
Editors
Forthcoming
Information
Subscribe
Journals
Home
MEPS
AME
CR
DAO
ESEP
Search
Subscribe
Book Series
EE Books
Top Books
Order
Discussion Forums
Home
Research
Endangered Species Programs
Institutions
International Ecology Institute
Eco-Ethics International Union
Foundation
Otto Kinne Foundation
| |
MEPS 205:307-308 (2000)
|
Abstract
|
On the functional significance of masking behaviour in sea urchins--an experiment with Paracentrotus lividus
Heinz Richner1,2,*, Manfred Milinski1,3
1Station Biologique Arago, 66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
2Department of Zoology, University of Bern, 3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
3Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Max Planck Institute of Limnology, 24306 Plön, Germany
*E-mail: heinz.richner@esh.unibe.ch
ABSTRACT: Much literature in marine biology describes the extraordinary behaviour of sea urchins, e.g., Paracentrotus lividus, who cover their body with shells, stones and debris. The function of this strange behaviour, described as 'masking', is
still a puzzle. Our experiment shows that sea urchins are loaded with more mussel shells when the delicate apical openings of their water vascular system which powers all their movements, are in danger of being occluded by floating sand. 'Masking' shells
appear to function as an umbrella against floating particles.
KEY WORDS: Masking behaviour · Cleaning · Paracentrotus lividus
Full text in pdf format
Published in MEPS Vol.
205
(2000) on October 19
ISSN: 0171-8630.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2000
|
