Seasonal patterns in the reproductive activity of barnacle-dwelling littorinids

Johnson, LJ; Mill, PJ; Hull, SL; Ducrotoy, JP; Caley, KJ; Johnson, Lisa J.; Mill, Peter J.; Hull, Susan L.; Ducrotoy, Paul; Caley, Kevin J.

Abstract

The reproductive activity of a population of barnacle-dwelling littorinids at Peak Steel, on the north east coast of England, was investigated. Variation in the number of mature males and females, expressed as a percentage of the whole population, showed: a marked difference among the barnacle-dwelling littorinids. Littorina neglects displayed a distinct seasonal component to its reproductive activity, with a peak in early summer, Littorina arcana B also displayed a distinct seasonal component, with a lull in the summer months. However, L. saxatilis B maintained its reproductive activity all year, but with an increase in output in the summer. The reproductive activity of both L. arcana B and L. saxatilis B follow similar patterns of reproductive activity as their typical non barnacle-dwelling forms, suggesting that these are true barnacle-dwelling ecotypes. The controversy surrounding the specific status of L. neglecta is also discussed.

Citation

Johnson, L. J., Mill, P. J., Hull, S. L., Ducrotoy, P., & Caley, K. J. (2000). Seasonal patterns in the reproductive activity of barnacle-dwelling littorinids. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 80(5), 821-826. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0025315400002794

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 31, 2000
• Publication Date: 2000-10
• Journal: JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
• Print ISSN: 0025-3154
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 80
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 821-826
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0025315400002794
• Keywords: Aquatic Science
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/409469