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Comparative study of the covering reaction of the purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, under laboratory and field conditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 1999

Anne C. Crook
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University College, Cork, Ireland
Emma Verling
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University College, Cork, Ireland
David K.A. Barnes
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University College, Cork, Ireland
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Abstract

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Abiotic and biotic aspects of the covering behaviour of the purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) were systematically examined in situ and in the laboratory to analyse potential intra-population differences in the nature of this behaviour. In the field, significant differences in the occurrence of covering behaviour were found between age groups. Smaller P. lividus covered at higher frequencies than larger individuals. Higher proportions of individuals were also observed to cover during afternoon sampling periods. Significant differences in the types of covering material used were found between P. lividus observed in the laboratory and in the field. These findings suggest that the benefits and/or opportunities of covering behaviour may change with size and habitat.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1999 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom