STRENGTH AND DESIGN OF SHELLS OF THE TWO ECOLOGICALLY DISTINCT BARNACLES,BALANUS BALANUSANDSEMIBALANUS (BALANUS) BALANOIDES(CIRRIPEDIA)

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Abstract
The shells of specimens of the 2 spp. were loaded in compression, perpendicular to the plane of the opercular opening. For shells of similar mass or pseudovolume (1 .times. b .times. h), B. balanus was 3-13 times as strong as S. balanoides. Strength was measured as the maximum load borne and as the energy absorbed by a specimen up to the point of maximum loading. The morphology of the shell plates and their junctions was described. The greater strength of B. balanus is attributed mainly to the possession of a calcified basis, well developed radii and superior workmanship. Neither microhardness nor microstructure of the shell plates gives significant indications that differences in material properties could account for the observed differences in strength. It is suggested that S. balanoides has a life history with a short life expectancy (often due to factors not related to shell strength) which makes it important to reproduce early in life and that, compared with B. balanus, neatness of shell construction and shell strength are sacrificed to speed in the process.

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