Population structure of Patella vulgata L. during succession on rocky shores in Southwest England
Year: 1983
Type: article
Abstract: Large concrete blocks have been placed on the exposed south side of Plymouth Break-water in most years since 1954. Examination of blocks of known age provides series of observations on community succession. Initial growth of green algae and then Fucus is followed by large numbers of fast-growing newly-settled Patella vulgata . The Patella graze down the algae, allowing subsequent build-up of a permanent population of barnacles. Inter-age class competition, together with the effects of the barnacles, promote re-structuring of the Patella population. There are a series of fluctuations which subside in amplitude as the community reaches maturity. The time-scale, however, is much longer (15-20 years) than anticipated from small experiments.
Authors: Hawkins, S J, Southward, A J, Barrett, R L
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2283650061
