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Biotic zonation on rocky shores of Heard Island

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Summary

The zonation of rocky shore biota on Heard Island is described for the first time, related to a universal zonation scheme and compared with that recorded for other sub-Antarctic localities. The Kelp Zone of holdfasts of the giant kelp, Durvillea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot (one of the characteristic features of these regions) is confirmed as a sublittoral fringe. The occurrence of a Bare Zone within the littoral zone on sub-Antarctic shores is discussed. The possible roles of submersion, spray, freezing and predation by gulls in influencing the extent and composition of zones are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of New England, 2351, Armidale, NSW, Australia

    J. M. B. Smith

  2. Department of Zoology, University of New England, 2351, Armidale, NSW, Australia

    R. D. Simpson

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  1. J. M. B. Smith
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  2. R. D. Simpson
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Smith, J.M.B., Simpson, R.D. Biotic zonation on rocky shores of Heard Island. Polar Biol 4, 89–94 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00442905

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00442905

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