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UrchinLytechinus variegatus grazing on eelgrass,Zostera marina

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Abstract

The urchin,Lytechinus variegatus, when feeding on eelgrass,Zostera marina, produces small, 1–2 mm, particles of the plant material which may accelerate the rate of decomposition. No significant difference was noted in the Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn content of green eelgrass blades compared to recently voided urchin fecal material derived from eelgrass.

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Author notes

  1. Jeffrey E. Drifmeyer

    Present address: Letterman Army Medical Center, Preventive Medicine Activity, 94129, Presidio of San Francisco, CA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Center, Beaufort Laboratory Beaufort, 28516, North Carolina

    Jeffrey E. Drifmeyer

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  1. Jeffrey E. Drifmeyer
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Additional information

The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. This project was supported by a cooperative aggreement between the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Department of Energy. Southeast Fisheries Center Contribution No. 81-39.

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Drifmeyer, J.E. UrchinLytechinus variegatus grazing on eelgrass,Zostera marina . Estuaries 4, 374–375 (1981). https://doi.org/10.2307/1352163

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