THE HISTORY OF A POPULATION OF LIMACINA RETROVERSA DURING ITS DRIFT ACROSS THE GULF OF MAINE

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Abstract
A population of small specimens of this pteropod appeared in the eastern part of the Gulf of Maine in Dec, 1933. From collections made during the following 9 months information was obtained showing that the population was homogeneous, that its members grew to maximum size in 5 months, declining in numbers as they did so. A 2d population of small individuals appeared in the Gulf in late spring, originating chiefly from offshore, but possibly in part being offspring of the original population. These were unsuccessful in maintaining their numbers throughout the summer. In addition to the information on the life history of Limacina, the data indicate the rate of drift of the water in its circuit of the Gulf. It supplies also suggestive information on the dispersal of organisms through the lateral mixing of water. It emphasizes the dependence of pelagic organisms upon the current systems of the ocean and the difficulty involved in maintaining a permanent population in any one locality.

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