Effects of Substrate Rugosity on Abundance and Gonad Condition of Purple Urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) in the Intertidal Zone

Presentation Year

2023

College or Department

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Short Description of your Research or Creative Project (700 characters or less)

In northern California, purple urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) populations have exploded, leading to an invasion of the intertidal zone with potential consequences for those communities. We aimed to determine if there was a relationship between surface rugosity and urchin abundance and condition in this recently invaded habitat. We found that urchins took advantage of any intertidal habitat, as abundance was independent of surface rugosity. However, surface rugosity was related to urchin condition, with urchins on rougher surfaces in better condition than those on other surfaces. Rocky intertidal surfaces may therefore provide refugia for overabundant subtidal urchin populations.

Permission to Publish Work

Yes

Primary Contact: First Name

Victoria

Primary Contact: Last Name

Johnson

Primary Contact: Email

vpj1@humboldt.edu

Primary Contact: I am a

Undergraduate Student

Primary Contact: Phone Number

602-622-1331