Seasonality of the rocky intertidal amphipodOligochinus lighti in response to microenvironmental variables
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1432-1254
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| Source: |
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
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| Topics: |
Geography
Physics
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| Notes: |
Abstract Organisms of intertidal regions experience climatological factors of marine and non-marine origin. Ecological studies indicate that climatological factors of non-marine origin are of primary importance in determining the distribution and abundance of the gammarid amphipodOligochinus lighti as shown by a decrease in population density with increasing height in the intertidal and a decrease in the population density accompanying seasonal increases in exposure to non-marine climatic conditions. Non-marine climatic factors affectingOligochinus are changes in temperature, salinity or moisture content in the algal clump inhabited by the amphipod. The microclimate of the algal clump depends upon its position in the intertidal and on how its form modifies the climatic conditions occurring during exposure. The algal microclimate is related in a complex fashion to seasonal changes in the coastal macroclimate mediated by the irregular semidiurnal tidal cycles of the region. A regression model has been developed to predict population changes on the basis of climatic factors.
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| Type of Medium: |
Electronic Resource
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| URL: |