Ceramic tiles were submerged in the Indian River, Florida, and observed for 2 yr. Neither simulated increases in predation pressure nor variation in initial species composition had any observed effect upon the structure of the fouling communities on the tiles. However, the exclusion of predators changed the species composition of the fouling communities by allowing species that are normally grazed off to predominate.
Abstract. .The absorption efficiencies of the intertidal mangrove dwelling mollusk Melampus coffeus and the rocky intertidal dwelling mollusk Acanthopleura granulata were calculated by a modification of CONOVER'S (1966) equation. M. coffeus tended to consume fresh mangrove leaves indicating that M. coffeus may obtain much of its energy from the actual substrate material rather than from associated bacteria and meiofauna on decaying leaves. Obtaining energy directly from the substrate may be a mechanism for M. coffeus to utilize its food source more efficiently. In contrast, chitons (A. granulata) may utilize the higher energy components of their limited intertidal microflora! food source. Using the high energy component of a food source may be an additional mechanism by which organisms efficiently utilize a food source.
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