Skeletal modification in response to flow during growth in colonies of the sea whip, Junceella fragilis
Resource
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 347 (1-2): 97-108
Journal
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Journal Volume
347
Journal Issue
1-2
Pages
97-108
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
Sessile marine organisms depend on water motion for important physiological functions yet face dislodgement or breakage caused by hydrodynamic forces. During growth, these organisms are subjected to increasing bending moments as height increases and they may modify their mechanical supports accordingly. Here we used the sea whip Junceella fragilis as a model species to examine how sessile organisms modify their skeletal supports to cope with hydrodynamic forces during growth. Eighty-one colonies of J. fragilis (height 5-156 cm) were collected from two populations in southern Taiwan. Within-colony variations in skeletal elements, namely the axial skeleton and sclerites, as well as the coenenchyme and water content were investigated by measurements taken from the base, middle, and top of colonies. The typological distribution of sclerites within colonies was examined in another 31 colonies. The results showed that the relative weight of axial skeleton increases while that of sclerites decreases with colony height, which suggests that the colony switches from using sclerites to axial skeleton as the main support system during growth. The axial skeleton at the colony base thickens in such a way as to maintain or slightly decrease its bending stress. A greater density of sclerites, mostly double-heads, found at the colony base also adds to the resistance to bending. Moreover, colonies living in environments with greater flows seem to incorporate more skeletal materials. This study demonstrates how sessile marine organisms cope with increasing hydrodynamic forces during their life history by modifying the constitution and construction of their skeleton elements. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Subjects
Adaptations to flow; Allometry; Biomechanics; Gorgonian corals; Hydrodynamic forces; Sessile organisms; Skeletal modification
SDGs
Other Subjects
adaptation; allometry; biomechanics; coral; hydrodynamic force; life history; sclerite; sessile species; tolerance; Asia; Eurasia; Far East; Taiwan; Anthozoa; Gorgonacea; Gorgonia; Junceella fragilis
Type
journal article
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