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Competition, Coexistence and Diversity on Rocky Shores

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Competition and Coexistence

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 161))

Abstract

Naturalists have been fascinated for centuries by the diversity and productivity of rocky shore ecosystems. Large macro algae such as rockweeds (Fucales) and kelps (Laminariales), as well as sessile invertebrates such as mussels (Mytilidae) and barnacles (Balanidae) typically occur at high densities on these coastlines. As a consequence, intense space competition can be readily observed as organisms crowd and overgrow each other (Fig. 6.1). In some cases this leads to the dominance of one or a few species that monopolize the available space on a given shore level. The apparent diversity of some sites contrasts with the occurrence of species mono cultures at other sites and provides a fascinating model system to study the mechanisms that mediate competitive exclusion, species coexistence and diversity in space-limited communities.

Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle (1839)

“In all parts of the world, a rocky and partially protected shore perhaps supports, in a given space, a greater number of individual animals than any other station. [] The number of living creatures of all orders whose existence intimately depends on the kelp is wonderful.”

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Worm, B., Karez, R. (2002). Competition, Coexistence and Diversity on Rocky Shores. In: Competition and Coexistence. Ecological Studies, vol 161. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-56166-5_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-56166-5_6

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