Tube hood orientations of Pista pacifica (Polychaeta: Terebellidae)

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

1981-12

Authors

Winnick, Kenneth Brian, 1954-

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

The tube hood orientation of Pista pacifica is non-random and related to current direction. Results from field measurements and from one flow tank experiment suggest that Pista pacifica build their tube hoods at right angles to local currents, and perhaps away from the direction of any sediment transport which may occur normal to the prevalent current direction. By orienting their tube hoods perpendicular to water currents, the animals may be making use of the kinetic energy of the water motion around them to generate a tube ventilation current. This current may in turn lessen the energetic needs of the worms by providing internal ventilation and sediment flushing currents at little energetic cost to the organism.

Description

vi, 58 p. ; ill., maps. A print copy of this title is available from the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology library, under the call number OIMB QL391.A6 W5.

Keywords

Estuarine oceanography, Pista pacifica, Polychaeta

Citation