Jonathan Harris
The effects of Littorina littorea Grazing Habits on Algal and Green Crab Populations in the Rocky Intertidal Zone
Advisor: Lindsay Whitlow
In an increasingly global economy and internationally oriented society, invasive species introductions are occurring at an ever-increasing rate. In order to understand the impact of these introductions, the threatened ecosystems must be studied to determine the possible role invaders play. Understanding the interactions within the rocky intertidal food web is the key to determining the possible impact of invasive species, such as the Green crab (Carcinus maenus). In addition, understanding relationships between the Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) and Carcinus maenus may help us understand relationships between invading species. Mr. Harris will examine the role of herbivorous snails in algal succession, zonation and density, and the indirect effects these may have on Carcinus maenus populations via increased predation on the crabs as a result of loss of canopy species of algae.