Settlement of benthic marine invertebrates

摘要: Settlement and recruitment of benthic marine invertebrates are complex processes, determined by the interaction biotic abiotic factors which operate at different temporal spatial scales. This review analyses settlement process, attempting to integrate aspects related levels organization (i.e. ecological-physiological-molecular). is important because many that act any these times can explain themselves patterns andlor a large number species. From an ecological perspective, progress has been made in identification causal vanations larval availability for settlement. Many physical ethological during have, however, not received much attention. Likewise, since great majority studies have carried out restricted scales, fewer works consider biological acting scales simultaneously. frequently inferred from recruitment. In this sense, density-independent action post-settlement mortality cons~dered as prerequisite thls type inference. has, recently challenged on basis settler-recruit mortality-settler density relationships change time. At physiological-molecular level, settlement-inducing chemical cues identified. Those yet characterized understand better signal transduction mechanisms involved responses. It likely nervous system involved. The use artificial inducers would be useful studying induction, until more effective natural isolated Although few analysed acquisition competence, stages development changes protein or enzymatic system. An inopportune exposure larvae may delay even negative impact growth subsequent survival juveniles.