Explore the complex dynamics of predator-prey interactions between crabs and gastropods in this 41-minute lecture by Dr. Kristina Barclay from the University of Alberta. Delve into the effects of ocean acidification and climate change on these relationships, both in modern ecosystems and throughout the fossil record. Learn about repair scars as indirect evidence of predation, their advantages and challenges in studying historical predation patterns, and the specific case study of the Cancer productus red rock crab. Examine how ocean acidification impacts prey defenses, including shell growth, strength, and structure. Investigate methods for interpreting ocean acidification in the fossil record and comparing repair scar patterns across different time periods and geographical locations. Gain insights into the implications of these findings for paleontology and our understanding of predation through time.
Predator-Prey Interactions Between Crabs and Gastropods
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology via YouTube
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Exploring the past, present, and future of predator-prey interactions between crabs and their gastropod prey
Can we study predation through time!
Indirect Evidence: Repair Scars
Repair Scars: Advantages
Can we use repair scars to study predation through time?
Repair Scars: Challenges
Study System Cancer productus Red rock crab
Challenge #1: How does ocean acidification affect prey defenses?
Shell Growth
Shell Strength
Shell Structure Dissolution! Low pH
How do we interpret OA in the fossil record? • Change in size at which repair scars occur? • Look for asymmetrical effects on prey
How do we compare repair scars? Does A in # repairs
Size at Repair
A Success or #Attacks?
Latitudinal Repair Patterns?
Repairs through time?
Pleistocene More repairs
Implications for palaeontology?
Can we study predation through time?
Taught by
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
