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Space Occupation by the Polychaetous Annelid Perinereis Cultrifera: Influence of Substratum Heterogeneity and Intraspecific Interactions on Burrow Structure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

P. Scaps
Affiliation:
Laboratoire maritime, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 17, avenue George V, BP 28, 35 801 Dinard, France.
S. Brenot
Affiliation:
Laboratoire maritime, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 17, avenue George V, BP 28, 35 801 Dinard, France.
C. Retiere
Affiliation:
Laboratoire maritime, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 17, avenue George V, BP 28, 35 801 Dinard, France.
G. Desrosiers
Affiliation:
Centre d'Océanographie de Rimouski, Département d'Océanographie, Université du Québec á Rimouski, 310, allée des Urs, ulines, Rimouski (Québec), G5L 3A1, Canada.

Extract

Spatial analysis, laboratory experiments and field observations in the intertidal zone of La Ranee Estuary (northern coast of Brittany, France) of the infaunal polychaete Perinereis cultrifera indicate that the distribution and the abundance of this species appear to be related to the availability of cobbles. Individuals build U-shaped galleries with a surface gutter network protected by a cobble which acts as a roof. The study of spatio-temporal evolution of P. cultrifera burrows showed experimentally that density is important in space-sharing modalities within the sediment. Effects of increased density lead to modifications in the shape and size of the burrows. The absence of connections between burrows, as observed in ‘sandwich aquaria’ and in resin casts, suggest that the gallery is defended against intruders. The study of the distance between individuals in the laboratory did not reveal a regular distribution pattern. These results probably mean that the area around the burrow opening is not defended and, therefore, does not constitute a territory. Perinereis cultrifera is probably competing for burrow space while food may be shared. Territoriality is certainly the main factor involved in the organization and the spatial arrangements of individuals within a population.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1998

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