Graduation Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Biology
Committee Chair Name
Sean Craig
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Karen Kiemnec-Tyburczy
Second Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Cynthia Sarah Cohen
Third Committee Member Affiliation
Community Member or Outside Professional
Fourth Committee Member Name
Paul Bourdeau
Fourth Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Bryozoan, Bryozoa, Watersipora, Fouling, Invasive, Invasion, Encrusting, Interaction, Erect bilaminate growth, Fusion, Siblings
Subject Categories
Biology
Abstract
This review of published literature is focused on bryozoan interactions and discusses overgrowths, “stalemates,” erect bi-laminate growths and fusions. Overgrowths, where one colony grows zooids atop another, have received the most attention in the scientific literature. Stalemates, where two colonies cease growth at the region of contact, have received relatively little research investigating the possible reasons for its occurrence. Erect, bi-laminate growth, following inter- and/or intraspecific contact between colonies, has also received little research, but could reflect mutualistic behavior of encrusting species to increase feeding and reproduction. Fusion of self-self-contacts appears common, yet non-self-fusions to form natural chimeras may also occur and could represent cooperative behavior among genetically related individuals to enhance survival, growth and/or reproduction. In-depth analyses of the costs and benefits of these behaviors in bryozoans are needed to further understand the evolution of these alternative behaviors as well as their contribution to the abundance and diversity of bryozoans in marine habitats.
Recommended Citation
Stephens-Norton, Sheena Emily, "A review of contact dependent interactions among encrusting bryozoans" (2025). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2284.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2284