Abstract
The dispersion of Tellina tenuis da Costa in the laboratory was analysed by the Clark and Evans nearest-neighbour test and by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov one-sample test. The dispersion was random, with a slight tendency toward aggregation that was independent of density. In the field, the dispersion was analysed by the Clark and Evans nearest-neighbour test and by the X2 approximation to Fisher's coefficient of dispersion. The dispersion was again random, this time with a slight tendency toward spacing out that was independent of density. The tendency toward aggregation displayed in the laboratory was independent of the dispersion pattern shown at the start of the experiment, and also unaffected by the edge of the container. The apparent randomness suggests that T. tenuis is primarily a suspension feeder, but may be a deposit feeder under certain environmental conditions.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
Atkins, D.: On the ciliary mechanisms and interrelationships of lamellibranchs. Part III. Q. Jl microsc. Sci. 79, 375–445 (1937)
Bailey, N. T. J.: Statistical methods in biology, 200 pp. London: English Universities Press 1959
Blackman, G. E.: Statistical and ecological studies on the distribution of species in plant communities. Ann. Bot. (N. S.) 6, 351–370 (1942)
Blegvad, H.: Food and conditions of nourishment among the communities of invertebrate animals found on or in the sea bottom in Danish waters. Rep. Dan. biol. Stn 22, 41–78 (1915)
Campbell, J. I. and P. S. Meadows: Gregarious behaviour in a marine benthic amphipod (Corophium volutator). Experientia 30, p. 1396 (1974)
Clark, P. J. and P. C. Evans: Distance to nearest neighbour as a measure of spatial relationships in populations. Ecology 35, 445–453 (1954)
Clark, R. B. and A. Milne: The sublittoral fauna of two sandy bays on the Isle of Cumbrae, Firth of Clyde. J. mar. biol. Ass. U. K. 34, 161–180 (1955)
Connell, J. H.: Spatial distributions of two species of clams, Mya arenaria and Petricola pholadiformis in an intertidal area. Rep. Invest. Shellfish. Mass. 8, 15–25 (1955)
— Territorial behaviour and dispersion in some marine invertebrates. Res. Pop. Ecol. 5, 87–101 (1963)
Crisp, D. J.: Territorial behaviour in barnacle settlement. J. exp. Biol. 38, 429–446 (1961)
Eisma, D.: The distribution of benthic marine molluscs off the main Dutch coast. Neth. J. Sea Res. 3, 107–163 (1966)
Gilbert, W. H.: Distribution and dispersion patterns of the dwarf tellin clam, Tellina agilis. Biol. Bull, mar. biol. Lab., Woods Hole 135, 419–420 (1968)
Hairston, N. G.: Species abundance and community organisation. Ecology 40, 404–416 (1959)
Heip, C.: On the significance of aggregation in some benthic marine invertebrates. Proc. Eur. mar. Biol. Symp. 9, 527–538 (1975)
Holme, N. A.: Population dispersion in Tellina tenuis da Costa. J. mar. biol. Ass. U. K. 29, 267–280 (1950)
Hulscher, J. B.: Burying depth and trematode infection in Macoma balthica. Neth. J. Sea Res. 6, 141–156 (1973)
Jackson, J. B.: Bivalves: spatial and size frequency distributions of two intertidal species. Science, N. Y. 161, 479–480 (1968)
Johnson, R. G.: Spatial distribution of Phoronopsis viridis. Science, N. Y. 129, p. 1321 (1959)
Levinton, J.: Spatial distribution of Nucula proxima Say (Protobranchia): an experimental approach. Biol. Bull. mar. biol. Lab., Woods Hole 143, 175–183 (1972)
Meadows, P. S. and J. I. Campbell: Habitat selection and animal distribution in the sea: the evolution of a concept. Proc. R. Soc. Edinb. 73, 145–157 (1972)
— and K. A. Mitchell: An analysis of inter- and intraspecific aggregations in two sympatric species of hermit crab (Decapoda, Anomura, Paguridae). Mar. Behav. Physiol. 2, 187–196 (1973)
Mitchell, K. A.: Habitat selection by hermit crabs, Ph. D. Thesis, University of Glasgow 1975
Pielou, E. C.: An introduction to mathematical ecology, 286 pp. New York: John Wiley 1969
Pohlo, R. H.: Confusion concerning deposit feeding in the Tellinacea. Proc. malac. Soc. Lond. 38, 361–364 (1969)
Probert, P. K.: The bottom fauna of china clay waste deposits in Mevagissey Bay, Ph. D. Thesis, University of London 1973
Rosenberg, R.: Spatial distribution of an estuarine benthic faunal community. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 15, 69–80 (1974)
Siegel, S.: Non-parametric statistics for the behavioural sciences, 312 pp. Tokyo: McGraw Hill, Kogakusha 1956
Stephen, A. C.: Notes on the biology of Tellina tenuis da Costa. J. mar. biol. Ass. U. K. 15, 683–701 (1928)
— Studies on the Scottish marine fauna: the fauna of the sandy and muddy areas of the tidal zone. Trans. R. Soc. Edinh. 56, 291–306 (1929)
— Studies on the Scottish marine fauna: additional observations on the fauna of the sandy and muddy areas of the tidal zone. Trans. R. Soc. Edinb. 56, 521–536 (1930)
Trevallion, A.: Studies on Tellina tenuis da Costa III. Aspects of general biology and energy flow. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 7, 95–122 (1971)
Watkin, E. E.: The macrofauna of the intertidal sand of Kames Bay, Millport, Buteshire. Trans. R. Soc. Edinb. 60, 543–561 (1942)
Yonge, C. M.: On the structure and adaptations of the Tellinacea, deposit feeding Eulamellibranchia. Phill. Trans. R. Soc. (Ser. B) 234, 29–76 (1949)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by J. H. S. Blaxter, Oban
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wilson, J.G. Dispersion of Tellina tenuis from Kames Bay, Millport, Scotland. Marine Biology 37, 371–376 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387493
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387493