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Thesis
MOVEMENT AND BEHAVIOR OF THE SAND DOLLAR, MELLITA TENUIS
University of West Florida
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2016
Abstract
Mellita tenuis occurs in large aggregations numbering in the tens per m2. Due to their high density they are considered major bioturbators of their environment. This investigation of ecological factors affecting their movement and behavior has provided a deeper understanding of the basic biology and ecological connectivity of this species. In this study, M. tenuis was placed in an enclosure under varying treatments and video recorded. The recordings were analyzed for activity, movement, covering, distance travelled, and velocity. Contrary to existing literature, which has been primarily based on qualitative observations, there was no significant diel rhythm found for any of the variables studied among time of day treatments. Neither feeding history nor predator presence had significant effects, however, size was found to affect covering and velocity, with large individuals moving at a rate nearly two times faster and covered significantly less often than small individuals. Density differences resulted in a change in rotational activity, with individuals in low densities more active than those in high densities. The size of other individuals in the immediate area did not have a significant effect on any of the variables, although a higher sample size is recommended for borderline results.
Details
- Title
- MOVEMENT AND BEHAVIOR OF THE SAND DOLLAR, MELLITA TENUIS
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Publisher
- University of West Florida
- Format
- text
- Identifiers
- 99380090845706600
- Academic Unit
- Biology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida