An investigation into the effects of varying seawater concentrations on two marine invertebrates’ osmoregulatory abilities; Carcinus maenas and Arenicola marina. Introduction The concentration of solutes in the bodily fluids of most marine invertebrates is roughly isosmotic to their environment (Raven, 2008). Because there is no osmotic gradient there is no tendency for the net diffusion of water away from the animal’s cells to occur. When a change in salinity occurs some organisms have the ability
There are many invasive species near Nature Bridge including; green crabs, sea walnuts, and Himalayan Blackberries. Invasive species pose a threat on the economy and can harm the ecosystem they invade. Invasive animals compete with native animals for resources and can decrease the diversity by killing off the animals that already live there. They also cost large amounts of money to the government. Sea Walnuts, also called comb jellies, are native to the Western Atlantic ocean but now live all
crabs are capable of displacing other crabs in the competition for space, food and habitat. Recently, a study was conducted which showed a 40% drop in Manila clam harvest since the European green crabs’ arrival in North America (pleus, 2017). Carcinus maenas
Evolution of eusociality is based upon a sterile caste system that consists of workers that sacrifices their selfish needs to serve the needs of the queen. In eusociality society, genetic relatedness is very important because it helps the genes of the individual to be passed on to the next generation. Additionally, in eusociality society, individual members become integrated and function has a group. In addition, eusocial species favor their sisters over their own offspring because it helps to increase
intertidal crab Carcinus maenas which preys on L. obtusata had ironically expanded its range into the northern parts of New England around 1900. (Seeley, 1986). Considering the significance of these two various characteristics, one may hypothesize that the various shell morphology is due to speciation (Ha) or, with careful experimentations, another proposed hypothesis (Ho) can be that the change in L. obtusata shell morphology was due to natural selection in response to the predation of C. maenas. The shape
An invasive species is a species that is not native to an area, and whose introduction often causes harmful environmental impacts. The European Green Crab, also known as Carcinus maenas, is an invasive species from Europe. It was introduced to the U.S. most likely by ballast ship water, El Nino, or by being shipped unnoticed in the kelp packing around lobsters/bait worms. The European Green Crab now inhabits the eastern and western coasts of the US, in addition to its native home and other invaded
a type of parasite that has a special characteristic, it can manipulate its host’s physical body and behavior. This parasite tricks its host into helping it survive and reproduce. In this case Sacculina carcini change their host, the crab, or Carcinus maenas. The parasite begins its life as a larvae exiting a host and then wondering the sea, looking for a viable host to infect for themselves. The larvae molts several times for the five to six days following the escape from their predecessor’s host
during the same time period in Littorina obstusata (AUTHOR 2). Vermeji asked what are the history, cause and significance in snail shape and thickness. His explanation focused primarily on the shell-crushing crab, Carcinus maenas. Humans in eastern North America introduced Carcinus maenas from Europe likely producing the shift of shell
137-153. Malham, Hutchinson & Longshaw, 2012. A review of the biology of European cockles (Cerastoderma spp.). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 92(7), pp. 1563-1577. Mascaro & Seed, 2000. Foraging behaviour of Carcinus maenas (L.): comparison of size-selective predation on four species of bivalve prey. Journal of Shellfish Research, Volume 19, pp. 283-291. Montaudouin & Bachelet, 1996. Experimental evidence of complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors
Hemigrapsus sanguineus, commonly known as the Asian Shore Crab, has been a major player in the evolution of certain defenses of New England bivalve molluscs. Mytilus edulis, the New England blue mussel, has been directly impacted by the predation of the Asian Shore Crab. H. sanguineus is an invasive species to the Atlantic coast of the United States. It first appeared in the southern New England area in 1988, presumably by trade ships from the Western Pacific. It has since spread to the south Atlantic