Abstract*

Chiton Tuberculatus is an important primary consumer found in the rocky intertidal zone in Bermuda. This study seeks to understand the frequency in which C.tuberculatus stays or leaves high and low algae rich tide pools in Spittle Pond, Bermuda. Photographs were taken of 4 tide pools over the course of three days to determine if chiton stayed in their orginal (first day) tide pools or left them. A chi square test was done on the data and was found to be significant (p-value .013). The significant p-value means that there is a correlation between C.tuberculatus staying in tide pools of high algae growth and leaving tide pools with low algae growth.

Introduction

Chitons are one of the fastest intertidal mollusks, and move at an average speed of .24cm/min. (Thorne) Despite their speed capabilities, chitons prefer to stay in relatively the same area for long periods of time.(Crozier) When chitons are removed from their preferred pool/rock crevice and placed in a new one they return to their home site sixty-six percent of the time. (Thorne)(It is currently hypothesized though not confirmed that this is done through a chemical processes or associative memory. (Crozier, Glenn))

Studies have been done on C.tuberculatus ability to find their home site after being relocated (Thorne) and on the length of time they stay at a home site (Crozier). Yet, no research has been found that analyzes C.tuberculatus environmental preferences in their home site. So the question arises; "what variables lead C.tuberculatus to choose to stay in one area of their home site over another?".

This study seeks to analyze one of those variables by answering the question, "Is C.tuberculatus more likely to stay in an area of high algae growth or low algae growth?". The hypothesis is that there is a positive correlation between C.tuberculatus staying in areas of high algae growth and leaving areas of low algae growth.

Chiton Tuberculatus

C.tuberculatus (common name: West Indian Chiton) is a species of chiton found in Bermuda and the Caribbean. It is an herbivorous chiton.C.tuberculatus is relatively stationary during the day. At night however, they can be found actively moving and grazing on algae within meters of their home site.(Glynn) They are primarily found in the lower intertidal zone and prefer to be submerged in water for most of the time. (Crozier)

(To read more about chiton in general please click the link to your right.)

Thank you Dr. Roberston for helping me to organize my thoughts.