Substrate preferences of a non-colonial kamptozoan, and its interactions with bryozoan hosts
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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| Abstract |
Results of substrate preference analysis for Loxosomella nordgaardi Ryland (Kamptozoa: Loxosomatidae) found in association with various bryozoan species in the White Sea are presented. Local water-current patterns, for the first time observed and documented in bryozoan colonies inhabited by non-colonial entoprocts, indicate the direct dependence of kamptozoans' feeding activity on the bryozoan host. It is shown that because of the way their individuals integrate into the colony-wide water-current system both species may gain from this association. L. nordgaardi also demonstrates a strong preference for living bryozoan colonies relatively to other possible substrate types. It is thus probable that entoprocts are involved in specific ecological interactions with bryozoans. |
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