Influence of seasonal variation in temperature, salinity and food availability on module size and colony growth of the estuarine bryozoan Conopeum seurati |
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Authors: | A O'Dea B Okamura |
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Institution: | (1) School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG, Avon, England Fax: 0044 (0) 117 925 7374 e-mail: a.odea@bristol.ac.uk, GB;(2) School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, P.O. Box 228, Reading RG6 6AJ, Berks, England, GB |
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Abstract: | Zooid size and colony growth of the estuarine bryozoan Conopeum seurati (Canu) (order: Cheilostomatida; suborder: Malacostegina) were examined over 15 mo at Avonmouth Dock, Avon, England. Data
were analysed in conjunction with synchronous measurements of temperature, salinity and food availability. Zooid length, width
and area were strongly temperature-dependent, while both food availability and colony growth rate had no significant effect
on zooid length, width or area. Salinity and the interaction of temperature and salinity significantly influenced zooid length
and area, suggesting that changes in zooid size may result from oxygen limitation in warm waters. The validity of a number
of other mechanisms proposed to account for temperature-related changes in zooid size is discussed. The results support the
use of zooid size as an indicator of both long-term trends and seasonal variations in temperature in Recent and fossil assemblages
as long as data sets are large and the effects of other factors on zooid size are considered. Colony growth rate was found
to be significantly influenced by both the amount of food available to the colonies and the combined effect of temperature
and food availability, suggesting that growth rate increases as food increases, but that the former may be limited at low
temperatures when metabolic rates are low.
Received: 30 March 1999 / Accepted: 24 September 1999 |
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