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Journal ArticleDOI

Marine chemical ecology: chemical signals and cues structure marine populations, communities, and ecosystems.

25 Mar 2009-Annual Review of Marine Science (Annual Reviews)-Vol. 1, Iss: 1, pp 193-212
TL;DR: How chemical cues regulate critical aspects of the behavior of marine organisms from bacteria to phytoplankton to benthic invertebrates and water column fishes is reviewed.
Abstract: Chemical cues constitute much of the language of life in the sea. Our understanding of biotic interactions and their effects on marine ecosystems will advance more rapidly if this language is studied and understood. Here, I review how chemical cues regulate critical aspects of the behavior of marine organisms from bacteria to phytoplankton to benthic invertebrates and water column fishes. These chemically mediated interactions strongly affect population structure, community organization, and ecosystem function. Chemical cues determine foraging strategies, feeding choices, commensal associations, selection of mates and habitats, competitive interactions, and transfer of energy and nutrients within and among ecosystems. In numerous cases, the indirect effects of chemical signals on behavior have as much or more effect on community structure and function as the direct effects of consumers and pathogens. Chemical cues are critical for understanding marine systems, but their omnipresence and impact are inadequ...

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01 Jan 2014

1 citations


Cites background from "Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..."

  • ...It has been documented that reef invertebrates, such as adult communities of barnacles, can attract larvae by releasing chemical settlement cues into the water column (Hay 2009)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Using manipulative experiments, it is shown that the distribution of the limpet Cellana tramoserica is dependent on the previous occupants of any particular resting site, providing new evidence that decisions to occupy a resting site may not solely be based on resource values but also are associated with public information about site suitability.

1 citations

Dissertation
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: Physiological studies under quarantined temperate euhaline conditions (Wachapreague, Virginia) confirmed that C. ariakensis is physiologically intolerant to warmer water (> 20oC) because of low clearance rates and elevated respiration rates.
Abstract: Title of Dissertation: GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY OF EASTERN AND SUMINOE OYSTERS AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF INCREASED HABITAT COMPLEXITY FOR ASSOCIATED OYSTER REEF FAUNA Christopher James Kelly, Doctor of Philosophy, 2011 Dissertation Directed by: Dr. Roger I. E. Newell Professor of Marine Science University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science The introduction of a non-native oyster species (Crassostrea ariakensis) into Chesapeake Bay has been proposed as a way to help restore the oyster fishery and enhance the ecological services historically provided by eastern (Crassostrea virginica) oysters. A comparison of growth, mortality, and physiology between diploid C. ariakensis (“Oregon” strain) and diploid C. virginica was undertaken in quarantined mesocosms simulating mesohaline Chesapeake Bay. Growth of C. ariakensis was greatest during the late winter and early spring periods, with oyster condition substantially reduced during the summer due to low clearance rates and elevated respiration rates. Stunted growth and high mortality characterized the C. virginica treatment, although the reasons for this are unknown. Additional quarantined laboratory studies, conducted in Florida for both oyster species in conditions simulating a subtropical estuary examined the potential of C. ariakensis to expand southwards. While growth of C. ariakensis was comparable to that of C. virginica, mortality of C. ariakensis reached 100% by the end of the study, but remained relatively low for C. virginica. Physiological studies under quarantined temperate euhaline conditions (Wachapreague, Virginia) confirmed that C. ariakensis is physiologically intolerant to warmer water (> 20oC) because of low clearance rates. Oysters create reefs that provide refuge for prey species, and enhanced foraging opportunities for predatory fish species. Predator–prey interactions between organisms found on oyster reefs, such as grass shrimp (Palaemontes pugio), white perch (Morone americana), and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were conducted on habitats of varying complexity. Habitats consisted of flat sand, and medium and high complexity structures constructed in mesocosms from PVC pipe. As structural complexity increased so did the attraction of grass shrimp and white perch to structure regardless of the provision of food resources or presence of striped bass. The attraction of grass shrimp to structure decreased when high densities of conspecifics were present. The presence of prey and/or predators enhanced white perch utilization of structure and increased complexity decreased their swimming and shoaling activity. Habitat complexity and the threat of predation interact to alter grass shrimp and white perch behavior under intermediate levels of structural complexity. GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY OF EASTERN AND SUMINOE OYSTERS AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF INCREASED HABITAT COMPLEXITY FOR ASSOCIATED OYSTER REEF FAUNA By Christopher James Kelly Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2011 Advisory Committee: Dr. Roger I. E. Newell, Chair Dr. Denise L. Breitburg Dr. Mark W. Luckenbach Dr. Thomas J. Miller Dr. David H. Secor Dr. Reginal M. Harrell, Dean’s Representative © Copyright by Christopher J. Kelly 2011

1 citations


Cites background from "Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..."

  • ...…interstitial space (Hacker & Steneck 1990, Hixon & Beets 1993, Charbonnel et al. 2002, Adams et al. 2004), and presence of conspecifics (Lecchini et al. 2007, Hay 2009) have all been put forth as important factors to consider when developing structurally complex habitat for restoration purposes....

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09 Jan 2015

1 citations


Cites background from "Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..."

  • ...For instance, tropical reefs are ecosystems with a vast biodiversity, where the substrate available for benthic cnidarian species to settle and develop is scarce (Hay, 2009)....

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References
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Journal Article

839 citations


"Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..." refers background in this paper

  • ...…to chemical cues from specific hosts, or corals that settle in response to chemical traits of specific crustose coralline algae, or of soft-substrate animals that recruit to or avoid sands treated with specific chemical cues or extracts (e.g., Pawlik 1992, Krug & Manzi 1999, Hadfield & Paul 2001)....

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  • ...In aquatic systems, chemical cues determine feeding, habitat, and mating choices (e.g., Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Pawlik 1992; Breithaupt & Thiel 2008)....

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  • ...…stimulating feeding once prey have been contacted; compounds responsible for attraction from a distance have rarely been investigated for adult specialist consumers [compounds that cue larval settlement have been investigated; see Pawlik (1992), Krug & Manzi (1999), and Hadfield & Paul (2001)]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that the best way to protect salt marshes and the services they provide is through the integrated approach of ecosystem-based management.
Abstract: Salt marshes are among the most abundant, fertile, and accessible coastal habitats on earth, and they provide more ecosystem services to coastal populations than any other environment. Since the Middle Ages, humans have manipulated salt marshes at a grand scale, altering species composition, distribution, and ecosystem function. Here, we review historic and contemporary human activities in marsh ecosystems—exploitation of plant products; conversion to farmland, salt works, and urban land; introduction of non-native species; alteration of coastal hydrology; and metal and nutrient pollution. Unexpectedly, diverse types of impacts can have a similar consequence, turning salt marsh food webs upside down, dramatically increasing top down control. Of the various impacts, invasive species, runaway consumer effects, and sea level rise represent the greatest threats to salt marsh ecosystems. We conclude that the best way to protect salt marshes and the services they provide is through the integrated approach of ecosystem-based management.

770 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although numerous seaweed characteristics can deter some herbivores, the effects of morphology and chemistry have been studied most thoroughly and these types of seaweeds may be considered herbivore tolerant.
Abstract: Herbivory has a profound effect on seaweeds in both temperate and tropical communities (11, 17, 21, 33, 43, 47, 80, 124). This is especially true on coral reefs where 60-97% (11, 42) of the total seaweed production may be removed by herbivores. To persist in marine communities, seaweeds must escape, deter, or tolerate herbivory. The ecological and evolutionary importance of spatial and temporal escapes has been extensively studied for seaweeds and adequately reviewed in the recent literature (33, 45, 47, 71, 80). The ability of seaweeds to tolerate herbivory has received limited attention. On coral reefs, rapidly growing filamentous algae are heavily grazed, but the algae quickly replace these losses and appear to be dependent upon herbivores to prevent their habitat from being overgrown by larger but less herbivoretolerant species (11, 71). Additionally, several seaweeds have spores or vegetative portions that can withstand gut passage; in some cases this significantly increases the growth rates of the newly settled spores (6, 122). These types of seaweeds may be considered herbivore tolerant. Although numerous seaweed characteristics can deter some herbivores, the effects of morphology and chemistry have been studied most thoroughly. The

722 citations


"Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..." refers background in this paper

  • ...In aquatic systems, chemical cues determine feeding, habitat, and mating choices (e.g., Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Pawlik 1992; Breithaupt & Thiel 2008)....

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  • ...…on the plants they consume and that are especially susceptible to predation suggest that feeding preferences are commonly driven by the need to colonize hosts that provide escapes from consumers rather than by the direct food value of those hosts (see also Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Hay 1992, 1996)....

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  • ...In the past 20 years, the review of selected aspects of marine chemical ecology has become a growth industry (e.g., Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Paul 1992; Hay 1996; McClintock & Baker 2001; Paul et al. 2007; Pohnert et al. 2007; Amsler 2008), with numerous reviews focusing on specific groups…...

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The contention that furanones, at the concentrations produced by the alga, can control bacterial colonization of surfaces by specifically interfering with AHL-mediated gene expression at the level of the LuxR protein is supported.
Abstract: Summary: Acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated gene expression controls phenotypes involved in colonization, often specifically of higher organisms, in both marine and terrestrial environments. The marine red alga Delisea pulchra produces halogenated furanones which resemble AHLs structurally and show inhibitory activity at ecologically realistic concentrations in AHL bioassays. Evidence is presented that halogenated furanones displace tritiated OHHL [N-3- (oxohexanoy1)-L-homoserine lactone] from Escherichia coli cells overproducing LuxR with potencies corresponding to their respective inhibitory activities in an AHL-regulated bioluminescence assay, indicating that this is the mechanism by which furanones inhibit AHL-dependent phenotypes. Alternative mechanisms for this phenomenon are also addressed. General metabolic disruption was assessed with two-dimensional PAGE, revealing limited non- AHL-related effects. A direct chemical interaction between the algal compounds and AHLs, as monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy, was shown not to occur in vitro. These results support the contention that furanones, at the concentrations produced by the alga, can control bacterial colonization of surfaces by specifically interfering with AHL-mediated gene expression at the level of the LuxR protein.

612 citations


"Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..." refers background in this paper

  • ...This inhibition occurs because halogenated furanones interfere with the bacteria’s signal-based regulatory systems that control surface motility, exoenzyme production, and biofilm formation/stability (Manefield et al. 1999, 2002; Rasmussen et al. 2000; McDougald et al. 2001)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review concludes that relatively unstudied, ontogenetic shifts in concentrations and types of defenses occur in marine species, and patterns of larval chemical defenses appear to provide insights into the evolution of complex life cycles and of differing modes of development among marine invertebrates.

607 citations


"Marine chemical ecology: chemical s..." refers background in this paper

  • ...…on the plants they consume and that are especially susceptible to predation suggest that feeding preferences are commonly driven by the need to colonize hosts that provide escapes from consumers rather than by the direct food value of those hosts (see also Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Hay 1992, 1996)....

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  • ...In other instances the larvae are chemically defended, but the adults are not and appear instead to rely more on physical/structural defenses (Lindquist & Hay 1996)....

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  • ...…past 20 years, the review of selected aspects of marine chemical ecology has become a growth industry (e.g., Hay & Fenical 1988, 1996; Paul 1992; Hay 1996; McClintock & Baker 2001; Paul et al. 2007; Pohnert et al. 2007; Amsler 2008), with numerous reviews focusing on specific groups (seaweeds…...

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  • ...Once larvae or embryos are released from brooding adults, they can be at considerable risk of predation in the plankton, but even more so as they recruit to the benthos where both fish and invertebrate predators are commonly concentrated (Lindquist & Hay 1996)....

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  • ...…of resistance to host chemical defenses, selective consumption of those hosts, being cued to feed by the specific host chemicals that deter other consumers, and sequestration by the specialist of its host’s chemical defenses, thus becoming immune to many of its own enemies (Hay 1992, 1996)....

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