Ecological Determinants of Bioeconomics in Three Intertidal Chitons (Acanthopleura Spp.)

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Abstract
(1) The organization of foraging in time and space was assessed in three species of chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora)-Acanthopleura gemmata, Indian and Pacific Ocean; A. brevispinosa, Western Indian Ocean; A. granulata, Caribbean Sea-which experience different intertidal conditions. (2) Sampling the individual positions twice a day through a semi-lunar period gave bulk information on the variation of the resting-feeding strategy in time, while continuous tracking of individual paths permitted the detailed analysis of the spatial strategy adopted by chitons inside each activity phase. (3) The three species exhibit a different bioeconomical organization: central place foraging based on homing and zonal shuttling (A. gemmata), alternance of homing and dispersive movements (A. brevispinosa), and prevalence of ranging pattern (A. granulata). (4) The discriminant analysis of foraging-path parameters has shown that both spatial variables (mainly related to the amplitude of tidal oscillations and exposure to waves) and temporal ones (related to diel and tidal environmental oscillations) account for the obseved interspecific differences in movement patterns. (5) The utmost importance of spatial parameters-and related modifications in shelter availability and exposure to predators-in shaping the specific foraging behaviour has been revealed by a principal component analysis.

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