Testing the hypothesis that competition occurs

Question: Why is the distribution of adult Chthamalus restricted to the

upper intertidal zone?
Figure 53-6b part 1
Hypothesis: Adult Chthamalus are competitively excluded from the lower
intertidal zone.
Alternative hypothesis: Adult Chthamalus do not thrive in the physical
conditions of the lower intertidal zone.
Experimental setup:
1. Transplant rocks containing
Upper young Chthamalus to lower
intertidal intertidal zone.
zone

Lower intertidal zone 2. Let Balanus colonize the

rocks.

3. Remove Balanus from half

of each rock. Monitor
survival of Chthamalus on
both sides.
Chthamalus Balanus

Prediction: Chthamalus will survive better in the absence of Balanus.

Prediction of alternative hypothesis: Chthamalus survival will be low
and the same in the presence or absence of Balanus.

Figure 53-6b part 1 Biological Science 2/e ©2005 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.
 Freeman Figure 53-6b part 2
Prediction: Chthamalus will survive better in the absence of Balanus.

Prediction of alternative hypothesis: Chthamalus survival will be low and the same in
the presence or absence of Balanus.

Results: 80

60 Chthamalus survival is higher

Percent survival

when Balanus is absent

40

20

0
Competitor Competitor
absent present

Conclusion: Balanus is competitively excluding Chthamalus from the lower intertidal

zone.

Figure 53-6b part 2 Biological Science 2/e ©2005 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.
selesai