Sarà, M. (1970). Competition and cooperation in sponge populations. In: Fry WG (ed) The Biology of the Porifera. Symposia of the Zoological Society of London. 25, 273-284.

277321

Sarà, M.

1970

25, 273-284

Publication

Proceedings of the 1st International Sponge Conference

Available for editors   [request]

In caves and other shallow-water biotopes sponges may constitute continuous popula- tions from which other elements of the sessile macrofauna and macrofiora are virtually completely excluded. In this type of population the coaction effects among species of sponges reach their maximal intensity. The competition phenomena, the only ones hitherto studied, occur in respect to the substratum and also to food supply. However, their importance is probably less than generally thought and there is no clear evidence that some species of sponges may destroy other species by overwhelming them. On the other hand, the complexity of the continuous sponge populations and the aspects of their species diversity, ecological stratification and temporal stability involve a very important role of cooperation phenomena. In this regard, some significant facts may be indicated. A positive correlation between density and species diversity is shown by a Ligurian sponge population. A vertical stratification of sponges may be formed on the floor of caves with four ecologically chamcterized strata of Porifera: boring, hypobiotic, basal and epibiotic. A considerable temporal stability, both from a quantitative and a qualitative point of view, without sharp seasonal modifications, occurs in the continuous sponge popula- tions of shallow waters (0-1 m), except where unusual ecological conditions exist. Furthermore, different species of sponges may join together to form single rounded masses which remain stable in shape and size over long periods.

Mediterranean

Ecology

Porifera

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