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Möglicher einfluß von feinden auf das verhalten von Diadema-seeigeln

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Abstract

The diurnal rhythms of the sea urchin Diadema setosum differ in coral-reef and port populations at Eilat, Israel. In the port basin (built in 1967), predators of D. setosum are not present. The locomotory activity of reef and port sea-urchins was measured in the field, using SCUBA equipment. During the day, reef sea-urchins sit motionless in sheltered areas; at night, they crawl around and search for food. In contrast, port sea-urchins are active during 24 h. The activity pattern of D. setosum seems to depend on the presence or absence of predators. Apparently, the sea urchins which entered the newly-built harbour have adapted to their predatorless environment. It is not known how this fast adaptation came about; possible explanations are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abteilung Lorenz, Max-Planck-Institut für Verhaltensphysiologie, Seewiesen und Erling-Andechs, Germany (FRG)

    H. W. Fricke

  2. Heinz-Steinitz-Marine Laboratory, Eilat, Israel

    H. W. Fricke

Authors
  1. H. W. Fricke
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Communicated by O. Kinne, Hamburg

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Fricke, H.W. Möglicher einfluß von feinden auf das verhalten von Diadema-seeigeln. Mar. Biol. 27, 59–62 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394761

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394761

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