Colonial Ascidian Dispersal: What are the effects of adult population density and isolation on recruitment?
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Date
2007
Authors
Braudrick, Nate
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Abstract
Invasive species are thought to be one of the largest ecological threats to healthy ecosystems today. This paper is an attempt to show how anthropogenic transport of species with short dispersal distances is the most important factor in their colonization of new areas. In the Charleston, Oregon marina three study sites were set up to attempt to show the significance of isolation and adult population density on the recruitment of colonial ascidians, an encrusting member of the fouling community. Significant results were found supporting the hypothesis that greater adult population density results in increased recruitment. The second hypothesis of isolation decreasing the recruitment of colonial ascidians was not supported with significant results.
Description
29 pages
Keywords
Invasive Species, Marine Biology, Population Density, Colonial Ascidians