Abstract

Field populations of Margarites pupillus (Gould), a numerically abundant prosobranch mollusc occuring on rocky shores in Puget Sound, Washington, have previously received little autecological attention. Seawater table studios and SCUBA observations led to the following conclusions: Populations of Margarites are primarily subtidal. Population density and growth are directly related to algal canopy density. Algal canopy may function in reducing predator efficiency, Margarites populations have a 1:1 sex-reatio and no size dimorphism. Sexually mature individuals live for at least two years, and possibly more than four years.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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