Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2000

Abstract

The ascidian Corella inflata (Chordata, Ascidiacea) is common in many areas of Puget Sound, Washington, USA. However, it occurs only in habitats where it is protected from direct sunlight. Previous experiments with artificial lights showed that UV irradiation kills all life stages of this animal. The effects of natural sunlight exposure (measuring survival of adults, juveniles, larvae, and embryos) were compared. We partitioned the light spectrum to separate the effects of UVB, UVA, and visible light (PAR). Natural sunlight severely damaged C. inflata. Adults and juveniles died after 2-5 d. Exposed embryos failed to develop normally and larvae did not settle. As expected, UVB had significant effects, but pronounced effects were also seen when the animals were exposed to longer wavelengths alone (UVA and PAR). Thus, the distribution of C. inflata may be determined largely by exposure to light. Understanding the basic ecology of this species requires consideration of its vulnerability to sunlight damage and the effects of UVB, UVA, and PAR.

Publication Title

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Volume

80

Issue

3

First Page

515

Last Page

521

Required Publisher's Statement

© 2000 by Cambridge University Press. View original article at Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.

B. Bingham, A.M. Reitzel. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK . Volume 80, Issue 03. June 2000, pp 515-521.

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Sea squirts--Effect of light on--Washington (State)--Puget Sound

Geographic Coverage

Puget Sound (Wash.)

Genre/Form

articles

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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