學術資源整合系統-相關推薦
 |
|
|
|
|
| 作者 | Chao, SM and BC Chen |
|---|
| 出版日期 | 2013 |
|---|
| 著作名稱 | Defecation behavior of the hairy urchin, Tripneustes gratilla.
|
|---|
| 卷 | 10: 1-5 |
|---|
| 摘要 | The hairy urchin, Tripneustes gratilla (Linnaeus 1758), is a common sea urchin in the shallow waters of Indo-West Pacific reefs. Its anus is centered on top of its body. During a windless period in August 2011, we photographed 26% (n=50) sea urchins lifting up their bodies 30-90 degrees in the Houbihu Lagoon, southern Taiwan (21o56’57”N, 120o44’53”E). Upon close examination of these animals, we saw feces dropping from the anus directly to the substrate. The feces content was subsequently identified in the laboratory as undigested algae and fine sand. During a windy period in December 2011, no sea urchins displayed this defecation behavior. It is postulated that the defecation behavior of these urchins ensures the deposition of feces directly on the substrate. Discharging feces this way could be more energetically efficient than removing feces with tube feet and spines as observed in other urchin species. |
|---|
| 系統號 | NO000004213 |
|---|
|
|