Abstract
Individuals of Patella vulgata were exposed to acidified seawater in an experimental tank in which tidal cydes were simulated. Acidification of seawater to a concentration of 2 × 10‐5 M HC1 was buffered at the expense of buffering ion reserves in the seawater. Greater concentrations of acid resulted in a pH change in the seawater which affected limpet motility; limpet movement was inhibited by seawater of pH 5.5, and at pH 2.5 limpets became immobile. Patellid limpets are important rocky shore herbivores and it is suggested that abnormal behaviour caused by exposure to acid rain or acid effluent during parts of the ideal cycle may disrupt the balance of the littoral zone ecosystem.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
