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Natural variation of toxicity in encrusting spongeCrambe crambe (Schmidt) in relation to size and environment

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Abstract

The presence of intraspecific variation in toxicity and its relationship with biological or ecological factors were studied in the spongeCrambe crambe. Within-specimen (periphery and central part), between-size (<1000 mm2 in area, between 1000 and 10,000 mm2 and >10,000 mm2) and between-habitat (well-illuminated and dark communities) variations in toxicity were evaluated by the Microtox bioassay. Quantitative differences were detected that were not attributable to within-specimen variation but to size and habitat effects. Habitat comparisons showed that sponges in the shaded habitat were significantly more toxic than those of the well-illuminated community. Sponges of the smaller size classes displayed significantly less toxicity than the medium-sized specimens. Results are interpreted under the optimal defense theory and their ecological implications are considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Advanced Studies (CSIC) Camí de Sta. Bàrbara s/n, 17300, Blanes (Girona), Spain

    Mikel A. Becerro & María J. Uriz

  2. Department of Animal Biology (Invertebrates) Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 645, Diagonal Ave., 08028, Barcelona, Spain

    Xavier Turon

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  1. Mikel A. Becerro
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  2. Xavier Turon
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Becerro, M.A., Turon, X. & Uriz, M.J. Natural variation of toxicity in encrusting spongeCrambe crambe (Schmidt) in relation to size and environment. J Chem Ecol 21, 1931–1946 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02033853

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