Population structure of Patella vulgata L. during succession on rocky shores in Southwest England
1983
Hawkins, S J | Southward, A J | Barrett, R L
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.
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