Abstract
The role of herbivores in maintaining the pattern of zonation of macroalgae in the mid-intertidal community of semi-exposed shores was studied during 8 months (January to September 1979). Herbivores were totally removed every 15 days from a semi-exposed intertidal rocky wall, while another wall served as a control. Percent cover of algae was measured at two month intervals. Herbivore removal resulted in a disruption of the pattern of zonation. Iridaea boryana and Gymnogongrus furcellatus expanded the width of their belts into the zone initially occupied only by Ulva rigida and Lithophyllum spp. We conclude that herbivory is the basic mechanism which maintains the limits between the zones of these macroalgae in southern Chile.
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.
