Abstract
AbstractThe burrowing behavior of the holothurian Leptosynapta tenuis, its lebensspuren, and the types of peristaltic waves used in movement and burrow irrigation are described. Particle size selection is a function of accessability of grains. L. tenuis cannot distinguish between particle sizes but nevertheless ingests small particles in a lesser proportion than that found in the surrounding sediment. Feeding rates are 2900–5500 g · yr−1 · animal−1. These rates are strongly dependent on temperature. Computation of a sediment mixing budget shows that of all the sediment ingested, 51% is ingested from the top 1/2 cm of sediment, 75% from the top 3 cm. The significance of the funnel as a ‘tool’ to exploit the top 1/2 cm of sediment is discussed. L. tenuis differs from other deposit feeders in that (1) it removes small particles from the surface sediment during its reworking activities, (2) it reworks sediment downward as well as upward, (3) its reworking activities tend to increase the stability of the upper 3 cm of the sediment, and (4) because so much sediment is ingested from the top 1/2 cm, it reworks an entire sediment column less efficiently per gram of sediment ingested than many other deposit feeders.
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