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Thesis
Effects of Interspecific and Intraspecific Interference on Foraging Behaviors of Luidia Clathrata
University of West Florida Libraries
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2026
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to examine the effects of predation and competition on starfish foraging behaviors in the laboratory in a species from soft-sediment, subtidal habitats. The focal species, Luidia clathrata, preys on a variety of invertebrates, especially bivalves. Luidia alternata, a congener in the same habitat, preys on echinoderms, including L. clathrata. Foraging behaviors of L. clathrata were examined when foraging alone, with a conspecific, and with the potential predator L. alternata. Avoidance and escape behaviors were documented with conspecifics or L. alternata. The differences of exploitative competition and interference competition were examined by conducting experiments with constant prey density and with declining prey density.
Luidia clathrata did not exhibit any avoidance behaviors when competing with L. alternata, but did exhibit an escape response following contact with L. alternata. Luidia alternata often pursued L. clathrata following contact, and in one instance L. alternata consumed part of an arm from L. clathrata. Interactions between the two species may be contact based. Competition had a stronger effect on the foraging behaviors of L. clathrata when prey density declined throughout the experiment. When prey density was constant, interactions were less frequent, and starfish were able to focus more energy on foraging. Very little competition, exploitative or interference, was observed between conspecifics of L. clathrata. Even when L. clathrata did interfere with a conspecific, foraging efforts by both stayed relatively consistent. Exploitative competition may occur between L. clathrata when prey is scarce.
Details
- Title
- Effects of Interspecific and Intraspecific Interference on Foraging Behaviors of Luidia Clathrata
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Contributors
- Christopher M Pomory (Committee Chair)Viktoria Bogantes (Committee Member)Alexis Janosik (Committee Member)
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 69
- Copyright
- Permission granted to the University of West Florida Libraries by the author to digitize and/or display this information for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires the permission of the copyright holder.
- Identifiers
- 99381865561206600
- Academic Unit
- Biology; Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida