Mud Whelk
Introduction to the ecological niche of the mud whelk, Cominella Glandiformis
Mud whelks that are being investigated belong to the Gastropoda class and Buccinidae family. This means that they are similar to snails, having muscular foot and a spiraled shell. Cominella Glandiformis is most widely distributed among the many Cominella spp. found in New Zealand. They live exclusively on moderately sheltered beaches, principally on shores of mud. These mud whelks are ubiquitous on enclosed mudflats, creeping about actively on the surface, which is subjected greatly to fluctuating salinity and humidity.
Intensity of individuals is greatest where the beds of Austrovenus Stutchburyi and pipi are densest as these are its primary food source. Apart from this, they are quite randomly spread and only gather while feeding. Wherever Cominella Adspersa and Cominella Glandiformis are found in the same area, Cominella Glandiformis is abundant in the upper regions and adspersa in the lower regions. This illustrates the Gauze's Competitive Exclusion Principle , as both species have similar niches.
Behaviour patterns of these mud whelks are quite straightforward: random locomotory movements, burrowing and feeding. There is not much evidence as to its activity period. However, the prospect of a "biological clock" controlling daily rhythms has been investigated recently (Kennedy, 1970), but with inconclusive and indecisive results.
An active carnivore, Cominella Glandiformis, scavenges the intertidal shores, feeding on dead and moribund animal matter. For this reason, it is considered an important commercial cleaner' of our seashores. Temperature fluctuations in this habitat are habitual to the whelks. In my initial research, I found out that there isn't any evidence of a type of feeding activity rhythm shown by the whelks and then I thought to investigate if temperature affected what time they fed and hence their feeding activity period.
Adaptations:
Organisms best suited for
Mud whelks that are being investigated belong to the Gastropoda class and Buccinidae family. This means that they are similar to snails, having muscular foot and a spiraled shell. Cominella Glandiformis is most widely distributed among the many Cominella spp. found in New Zealand. They live exclusively on moderately sheltered beaches, principally on shores of mud. These mud whelks are ubiquitous on enclosed mudflats, creeping about actively on the surface, which is subjected greatly to fluctuating salinity and humidity.
Intensity of individuals is greatest where the beds of Austrovenus Stutchburyi and pipi are densest as these are its primary food source. Apart from this, they are quite randomly spread and only gather while feeding. Wherever Cominella Adspersa and Cominella Glandiformis are found in the same area, Cominella Glandiformis is abundant in the upper regions and adspersa in the lower regions. This illustrates the Gauze's Competitive Exclusion Principle , as both species have similar niches.
Behaviour patterns of these mud whelks are quite straightforward: random locomotory movements, burrowing and feeding. There is not much evidence as to its activity period. However, the prospect of a "biological clock" controlling daily rhythms has been investigated recently (Kennedy, 1970), but with inconclusive and indecisive results.
An active carnivore, Cominella Glandiformis, scavenges the intertidal shores, feeding on dead and moribund animal matter. For this reason, it is considered an important commercial cleaner' of our seashores. Temperature fluctuations in this habitat are habitual to the whelks. In my initial research, I found out that there isn't any evidence of a type of feeding activity rhythm shown by the whelks and then I thought to investigate if temperature affected what time they fed and hence their feeding activity period.
Adaptations:
Organisms best suited for
Bibliography: 2. Morton John and Miller Michael. ‘The New Zealand Sea Shore '. London & Prescot, 1996 3. Morton, J 4. Stace Glenys. ‘What 's on the beach? A guide to Coastal Marine life '. Penguin, 1997 5. White, Terence John