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Grazers on Benthic Seaweeds

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Seaweed Biology

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 219))

Abstract

Grazing is a major force structuring seaweed communities. Grazer–seaweed interactions are ecologically complex with important implications for seaweed standing biomass and community composition, the energy flow through the system, and higher trophic level predator–prey interactions. This chapter presents a summary of the vast amount of information on herbivore–seaweed interactions, focusing on key concepts illustrated with select examples. Grazer–seaweed interactions are first discussed from the grazer perspective, starting with several common classification systems of grazers based on their feeding mode, size, and diet specificity. This chapter then covers how grazers can impact seaweeds and seaweed communities in multiple ways, including mutualistic relationships between herbivores and seaweeds. Algal–herbivore interactions are then considered from the seaweed perspective, specifically types of algal defenses against grazing, such grazing tolerance and avoidance of herbivores, as well as structural and chemical defenses. The chapter ends with a brief consideration of potential climate change effects on grazer–seaweed interactions.

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Brenda Konar for productive discussions and thoughtful comments on the manuscript. I also thank Charles Amsler, Gunilla Toth, and Tania Spurkland for helpful comments that greatly improved the manuscript. Preparation of the manuscript was supported by NaGISA, the nearshore field project of the Census of Marine Life program, award #2008-12-1 by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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  1. School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA

    Katrin Iken

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  1. Section Functional Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany

    Christian Wiencke

  2. Marine Botany, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Kai Bischof

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Iken, K. (2012). Grazers on Benthic Seaweeds. In: Wiencke, C., Bischof, K. (eds) Seaweed Biology. Ecological Studies, vol 219. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28451-9_8

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