Limpet Size Investigation

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LIMPET SIZE INVESTIGATION

Aim: To investigate if the width of limpets varies at different heights above chart datum.

Site: Jetty Beach (Sheltered rocky shore)                Grid Reference: SM 823053

Aspect: North North East                        Date: 03/06/12

INTRODUCTION

Jetty beach is a sheltered rocky shore with rich biodiversity, predominated by solid rocks. It consists of a range of microhabitats including bare rocks, rock pools, crevices and seaweed, providing secure habitats for a variety of organisms such as seaweeds, barnacles, shells and limpets. It is divided into four tidal levels – the lower shore, middle shore, upper shore and splash zone. The lower shore (up to 2.5m above chart datum) is 0-20% emersed and faces low desiccation. The middle shore (2.5m to 5.2m above chart datum) is 20-80% emersed and faces more desiccation than the lower shore. The upper shore (5.2m to 7.8m above chart datum) is 80-100% emersed and faces more desiccation than the middle shore. The splash zone (more than 7.8m above chart datum) is always emersed.

Information on Limpets

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Patellogastropoda

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Description: Limpets have flattened, cone-shaped or cap-shaped shells with concentric growth lines and radial ribs that extend from the edge of the shell to the apex. Their size ranges from about 5 to 200 millimetres in length.

They usually adhere strongly to rocks using pedal mucus and a muscular "foot", enabling them to attach securely to the rocks, in spite of the intensity of the wave action. This strong attachment also protects them from desiccation during low tide for though they may be in full sunlight, they are able to efficiently retain water, being tightly clamped onto the rocks. Although ...

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