Colonial ascidians strongly preyed upon, yet dominate the substrate in a subtropical fouling community.

摘要: Higher diversity and dominance at lower latitudes has been suggested for colonial species. We verified this pattern in species richness of ascidians, finding that higher colonial-to-solitary ratios occur the tropics subtropics. At latitudinal region with highest ratio, southeastern Brazil, we confirmed dominate space on artificial plates two independent studies five fouling communities. manipulated settlement to measure effects predation competition growth survivorship versus solitary ascidians. Eight were subjected a treatment, i.e. caged exposed predators, leaving removing competitors, assess main interactive effects. Predation had greater effect compared species, whereas did not show consistent patterns. hypothesize ascidians subtropical site despite being highly preyed upon because they regrow when partially consumed can adjust shape grow into refuges. contend these means avoiding mortality from have large influences diversification patterns low latitudes, where intensity is greater.