June 16 Beach Walk for Interactions
Today I chose to walk on the beach in Onset, MA. I thought this would be a good place to observe interactions among species and I was able to capture some examples of predation in seagulls picking on snails on the shore, algae and seaweed growing on shells and crabs, and barnacles growing on shells as well. They were good examples of predation, commensalism, herbivory with birds, and maybe even ammensalism. I found this to be a good change of scenery. When on the beach, I do not often think about different species on the beach and how they interact, but this walk opened my eyes a bit.
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)Observer
colaruaaDescription
Although hard to capture in a picture, this seagull was wandering around the pool and beach area looking to eat hermit crabs and snails. This is predation.
Photos / Sounds
What
Cowbirds (Genus Molothrus)Observer
colaruaaDescription
I’m not exactly sure what species of bird this is. I took the framework of herbivory interaction from class and applied it to this bird feeding on algae.
Photos / Sounds
What
Soft-shelled Clam (Mya arenaria)Observer
colaruaaDescription
I found a good example of commensalism with this bivalve and algae building up on it. The algae has a host and the clam is likely unaffected by its presence. Additionally the barnacles get a host as well.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea)Observer
colaruaaDescription
Commensalism is shown in this image with barnacles living on this snail! Although barnacles can be harmful, this interaction is neutral for the snail but the barnacle gets a host.
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