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Scale-dependent benthic recolonization dynamics: life stage-based dispersal and demographic consequences

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Abstract

Soft-sediment recruitment dynamics are dependent upon two sources of colonists; larvae transported from the water column and post-settlement movement of juvenile and/or adult life-stages across the seabed. Differences in the relative dispersal ability of the different life-stages into disturbed patches of habitat should vary predictably with the spatial scale of the disturbance. Smaller patches with a greater edge:surface area ratio should be more influenced by the post-settlement colonist pool than larger patches possessing a smaller edge:surface area ratio. A life stage-based recolonization model, using a Polydora cornuta life table, has been developed to describe how differences in the immigration rates of larvae, juveniles and adults can influence within-patch recovery times. Model results indicate that immigration of adult stages into disturbed patches has the least influence on patch recovery time. In contrast, post-settlement juvenile stages generally has a pronounced effect on patch population dynamics. Experimental evidence of scale-dependent migration of different life-stages to disturbed patches is also presented for the spionid polychaete Boccardia syrtis. Future research on scale-dependent recolonization dynamics in soft-sediment habitats should focus on acquisition of within-patch demographic data in order to more fully understand the importance of post-settlement life-stage movement in regulating population and community dynamics.

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Authors
  1. R. B. Whitlatch
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  2. A. M. Lohrer
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  3. S. F. Thrush
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  4. R. D. Pridmore
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  5. J. E. Hewitt
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  6. V. J. Cummings
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  7. R. N. Zajac
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Whitlatch, R.B., Lohrer, A.M., Thrush, S.F. et al. Scale-dependent benthic recolonization dynamics: life stage-based dispersal and demographic consequences. Hydrobiologia 375, 217–226 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1017084217011

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