The adaptations of Lasaea rubra (Montagu), a small intertidal lamellibranch

Abstract

A study has been made of the ecology of the small intertidal lamellibranch Lasaea rubra at various tidal levels at Plymouth and Wembury. In addition, experiments have been carried out to investigate physiological and behavioural differences arising from varying amounts of submersion at different tidal levels, and the following findings have been made.During the first hour after their submersion by sea water, L. rubra from high up the shore filter at a rate approximately twice that of animals which live lower down. After 2 h, however, both sets of animals filter at the same rate.High-level animals respond significantly faster to wetting by splash and can tolerate a considerable range of salinity. They also respire at a rate approximately twice that of low-level animals. Respiration, however, is not detectable when the animal is not immersed in sea water.