Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-995ml Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-29T09:03:07.943Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Solar damage to the solitary ascidian, Corella inflata

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2000

B.L. Bingham
Affiliation:
Huxley College of Environmental Studies, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98225, USA. E-mail: bingham@cc.wwu.edu
A.M. Reitzel
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida 32611, USA

Abstract

The ascidian Corella inflata (Chordata, Ascidiacea) is common in many areas of Puget Sound, Washington, USA. However, it occurs only in habitats where it is protected from direct sunlight. Previous experiments with artificial lights showed that UV irradiation kills all life stages of this animal. The effects of natural sunlight exposure (measuring survival of adults, juveniles, larvae, and embryos) were compared. We partitioned the light spectrum to separate the effects of UVB, UVA, and visible light (PAR). Natural sunlight severely damaged C. inflata. Adults and juveniles died after 2-5 d. Exposed embryos failed to develop normally and larvae did not settle. As expected, UVB had significant effects, but pronounced effects were also seen when the animals were exposed to longer wavelengths alone (UVA and PAR). Thus, the distribution of C. inflata may be determined largely by exposure to light. Understanding the basic ecology of this species requires consideration of its vulnerability to sunlight damage and the effects of UVB, UVA, and PAR.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2000 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)