Height: Width of Limpets Across Different Zones on an Exposed Shore
Rocky Shore Ecology: Holbeck Beach
This study was conducted to deduce whether the height to width ratio of limpets altered across the three main zones on the shore: upper, middle and lower. It was carried out on Holbeck Beach, North Yorkshire, where limpets were measured in all three zones using random sampling. We found a significant difference in the height to width ratio between the upper and lower shore and upper and middle shore. This is due to many factors, including the threat of desiccation and strong waves.
Limpet Patelle Vulgata Rocky Shore Ecology Holbeck Beach Upper Shore Middle Shore Lower Shore Callipers
Quadrent Random Sample Desiccation
INTRODUCTION
Common limpets, Patella Vulgata, are found, on rocky shores, wherever there is an area firm enough for attachment on rocks, stones and in rock pools. [1] The common limpet is commonly found on Holbeck shore in relatively high abundance. Patella vulgata are in the taxonomic group gastropoda, and the family acmaeidae.
They are abundant on rocky shores of all degrees of wave exposure but a high density of seaweed makes it harder for the Patella Vulgata to attach itself to the rocks, so limpet density is reduced.[2] Patella Vulgata have the ability to use their mucus and their ‘foot’ to clamp down upon the rock with considerable force. This allows them to remain safely attached at all times, despite strong wave action and the threat of desiccation during low tide. When the limpet is fully clamped onto the rock it is almost impossible to remove them.
The common limpet is a temperate species, so is found mainly across Europe, spread from Norway to Portugal.
The grey conical shell of Patella Vulgata can reach a width of 6cm and height of 3cm with ridges radiating from the central apex. The muscular foot of the limpet is usually a yellow colour and attached to the smooth interior of its shell.[3]
Limpets graze upon algae, which grows upon the rocks where they live. They can
This study was conducted to deduce whether the height to width ratio of limpets altered across the three main zones on the shore: upper, middle and lower. It was carried out on Holbeck Beach, North Yorkshire, where limpets were measured in all three zones using random sampling. We found a significant difference in the height to width ratio between the upper and lower shore and upper and middle shore. This is due to many factors, including the threat of desiccation and strong waves.
Limpet Patelle Vulgata Rocky Shore Ecology Holbeck Beach Upper Shore Middle Shore Lower Shore Callipers
Quadrent Random Sample Desiccation
INTRODUCTION
Common limpets, Patella Vulgata, are found, on rocky shores, wherever there is an area firm enough for attachment on rocks, stones and in rock pools. [1] The common limpet is commonly found on Holbeck shore in relatively high abundance. Patella vulgata are in the taxonomic group gastropoda, and the family acmaeidae.
They are abundant on rocky shores of all degrees of wave exposure but a high density of seaweed makes it harder for the Patella Vulgata to attach itself to the rocks, so limpet density is reduced.[2] Patella Vulgata have the ability to use their mucus and their ‘foot’ to clamp down upon the rock with considerable force. This allows them to remain safely attached at all times, despite strong wave action and the threat of desiccation during low tide. When the limpet is fully clamped onto the rock it is almost impossible to remove them.
The common limpet is a temperate species, so is found mainly across Europe, spread from Norway to Portugal.
The grey conical shell of Patella Vulgata can reach a width of 6cm and height of 3cm with ridges radiating from the central apex. The muscular foot of the limpet is usually a yellow colour and attached to the smooth interior of its shell.[3]
Limpets graze upon algae, which grows upon the rocks where they live. They can
References: [1] – RG Evans (1974). Biology of British Limpets: Page 411. Found on 12.10.12. [3] - Fish, J. D. & Fish, S. (1996) A student 's guide to the seashore. Second Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Found on 13.10.12 [4] – Website: pznow, Limpets [5] - Hill, J.M., (2000). Patella vulgata. Common limpet. Marine Life Information. Found on 17.10.12 [6] – BBC (2005) Website: BBC, Science and Nature, Animal Fact Files, Common Limpet [8] – YPTE (2010). Website: ypte, Environment, Rocky Shore Ecology. Found on 15.10.12. [9] – Rothery M (2005) Rocky Shore Handout. Found on 20.10.12. [11] – Norfolk WT (2011). Website: Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Wildlife, Common Limpet. Found on 20.10.12. [12] – J Adams (1999) "A Comparison of Width and Height of Common Limpets Between a Sheltered Shore and an Exposed Shore.. Found on 20.10.12. [13] - Levinton J.S.(1995) Marine biology: function, biodiversity, ecology. Oxford University Press. Found on 22.10.12 [14] - Bennett, I [15] – Wars (2011). Website: Limpet Wars, marine science. Found on 20.10.12. [16] - Knox G.A.(2001) The ecology of seashores. CRC Press. Page 557. Found on 20.10.12