Modeling of Life History Strategies in Organisms with Indeterminate Growth, with a Focus on the Distribution and Life History of the Gumboot Chiton Cryptochiton stelleri
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Date
2010-09
Authors
Lord, Joshua Pratt, 1986-
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The gumboot chiton Cryptochiton stelleri is the largest intertidal invertebrate
herbivore on rocky shores in the Pacific Northwest. This study documented the larval
development, metamorphosis, distribution and life history of this species. Growth
rings in valves of Cryptochiton stelleri and Katharina tunicata were used to
determine age and showed life spans of at least 40 years for C. stelleri and 17 years
for K. tunicata. Field surveys in southern Oregon showed that C. stelleri populations
are densest in small coves as a result of mortality, food availability, or larval
retention. Growth curves based on length, weight and volume were created for
several intertidal invertebrates. When incorporated into energy allocation models, length-based curves can underestimate growth and exaggerate an energetic shift from
growth to reproduction. Estimates of food intake and reproductive output showed
that continuous growth leads to higher food intake and increased fecundity in several
organisms with indeterminate growth.
Description
xii, 148 p. : ill. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.
Keywords
Giant Pacific chiton, Cryptochiton stelleri