Conclusions

My observations and regression results indicate that the barnacle sizes and area covered are correlated to the slope of the rock on which they are anchored, and to the exposure of the rock. Whether or not the sizes and areas can be predicted by using the slope would require more data collection and analyses; however a negative correlation would be predicted for the slope, and a positive correlation for the exposure. From these results it can be extrapolated that barnacles thrive better on flat rock faces that receive a lot of wave action. However, a limit would have to be set for the exposure level since the wave action can be consistently powerful creating a bare belt, on which not even barnacles could take a hold. In the end the conclusions seem to go along with the barnacle feeding habits. Since barnacles feed using cirria, when the wave exposure is greater the flow of water is greater and thus bringing more food to the barnacle. Also on a flatter surface, when the cirria protrude from the barnacle, the water can pass through the cirria perpendicularly, rather than at an angle maximizing water movement through the cirria.