Larval Ecology Flashcards
What is the most important aspect of population abundance?
Recruitment influences spatial & temporal variation in organism density
Variation in recruitment can alter ecosystem function
What does the general survivorship curve for larvae look like and why is high survival in larvae so significant?
Small changes in larval survival can have big impact in adult abundance
What are the pros and cons of larval dispersal?
Positive
- genetic exchange
- colonisation
- prevent extinction
- redce intraspecific competition
Negative
-high mortality
-interspecific competition
Name the Reproductive Strategies of Larvae
Planktotrophic
- Cheep to produce
- High mortality
- Dispersal
Lecithotrophic (yolk sack)
- Reduced mortality
- Reduced time in the water column
- More limited dispersal
Non-pelagic
-no larval dispersal
-low mortality
What factors influence recruitment?
How did upwelling influence the recruitment of barnacles in Monte Ray?
How were they not transported offshore even though their mobility is limited?
Upwelling events with increased winds triggered larval dispersal
They used their ability to migrate vertically to get looped around by offshore current and upwelling
Similar for estuarian craps and some fish larvae
