![]() The analysis of grain size (Qz) and major oxides, together with taphonomic and population analysis, reveals a high-energy marginal-marine environment in the sedimentation area of the Orlové Sandstone. Integration of geological and palaeobiological approaches enabled comparisons between one of the most famous fossil oyster species and several Recent bivalves. The tens of metres thick shell accumulations within the Cenomanian-Turonian strata of Western Carpathians enabled a complex study of ecological and geochemical proxies in relation to behavioural patterns of oyster Rhynchostreon suborbiculatum. However, the exact biological response to temporally irregular disturbances is highly dependent on the timing of such events relative to the natural history of population in question. In this case, such populations can be viewed as highly resilient under even the most extreme conditions of physical instability. The observed response of the Apalachicola oyster population to successive disturbances has significant meaning in terms of the long-term ecological stability of estuarine populations and the evolutionary aspects of such biological response to temporally unstable habitats. virginica is well adapted for such natural disturbances. Hurricanes are common along the Gulf coast during the spawning period of the oysters it appears that C. ![]() The subsequent storm, Kate, coming after the spawning period, was not as destructive to oyster populations as Elena and could have even enhanced growth of the survivors. Effects of the storm probably increased habitat availability and reduced direct competition and predation such that the oyster population benefited from the successful recruitment. Hurricane Elena occurred at the end of the oyster spawning activity in 1985. The timing and nature of the disturbances relative to the natural history of the oyster were crucial to the overall recovery pattern of the population. ![]() A detailed evaluation was made of the response of this important estuarine population to these disturbances. Subsequent oyster growth was substantial with full recovery of the oyster stock noted within a 12-mo period. However, overall oyster biomass did not seem to be affected by Kate. ![]() The second hurricane, Kate, struck the bay in late November (11/21/85) and probably contributed to the natural mortality of young-of-the-year oysters. This disturbance was followed a month later by considerable accumulations of spat on those reefs most affected by the storm. The first storm, Hurricane Elena, physically destroyed the major oyster-producing reefs in the Apalachicola estuary in early September (9/1/85). During the summer and fall of 1985, two hurricanes struck the Apalachicola Bay system, a center for oyster (Crassostrea virginica) production in the northeast Gulf of Mexico. ![]()
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