The ecology of the benthic and endolithic communities of a rocky reef in the kelp beds off Del Monte Beach, Monterey, California.
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Authors
Hoffman, Richard Gurney Jr.
Subjects
annelids
bivalves
chert
ecology
kelp-beds
mytilids
nestlers
pholads
rock-borers
bivalves
chert
ecology
kelp-beds
mytilids
nestlers
pholads
rock-borers
Advisors
Haderlie, E.C.
Date of Issue
1981-06
Date
June 1981
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
Divers, using SCUBA equipment, conducted an ecological
survey along two transects on a large reef-like feature in
the exposed shale off Del Monte Beach. A population census
and notes concerning the relative location of the various
organisms, including the identification of 248 species, is
presented. The vertical variations of the populations of
bivalve borers and associated benthic and endolithic
organisms was investigated. The major environmental factors
controlling the populations in this area were seen to be the
level of siltation and the hardness of the rock. The large
bivalve borers ( Chaceia ovoidea and Parapholas californica )
occupy different regions of the ledge. Chaceia was found in
the vertical regions away from silt deposition and
Parapholas was found in the horizontal regions, often under
several centimeters of sand. Other possible boring
organisms were identified. The sipunculid Themiste pyroides
was found in burrows that are quite different from the
typical bivalve burrow. The annelid Palola paloloides was
found in burrows of apparently its own manufacture. A
number of nestling organisms were found. The annelid
nestlers found in this region show a large variation across
the vertical face that was a result of the different
siltation regimes.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.