Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Dispersal Dynamics Of The Bivalve Gemma Gemma In A Patchy Environment, John A. Commito, Carol A. Currier, Laura R. Kane, Kathleen A. Reinsel, Irene M. Ulm

Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to analyze the dispersal dynamics of the ovoviviparous bivalve Gemma gemma (hereafter referred to as Gemma) in an environment disturbed by the pit-digging activities of horseshoe crabs, Limulus polyphemus. Gemma broods its young and has no planktonic larval stage, so all dispersal is the result of juvenile and adult movement. Animal movement was measured using natural crab pits, hand-dug simulated crab pits, and cylindrical bottom traps in the intertidal zone at Tom's Cove, Virginia, USA.

This study demonstrated that horseshoe crabs create localized patches with reduced densities of Gemma, that all sizes and ages …