Barnacle Simulation Results.

The intertidal zone of Scotland is where this virtual simulation took place through simulab. An intertidal zone presents the postulation that Semibalanus, Chthamalus, and Nucella will associate with the rocks. The higher elevation of the rocks through the intertidal zone will remain frequently exposed (from spring tides and neap tides), while the lower elevation of the rock will remain mostly underwater. The hypothesis in this specific experiment suggests that Semibalanus and Nucella must remain at the lower levels of the rock to obtain nutrients and cooler temperatures needed for survival during tidal events. Furtherment of the hypothesis suggests From 1 to 2 meters an increase of barnacles is expected. From 3 to 4 meters a decrease because of tidal temperament is expected. The barnacles in the 1 to 2 meters will have more time to increase their populations. Chthamalus must remain mostly at the upper levels of the rock formation to obtain nutrients and warmer temperatures for survival throughout the tidal events. Expectations of the hypothesis indicate that when Nucella is added to the rock they will consume the Semibalanus allowing Chthamalus and Nucella to be the most dominant barnacle species throughout the rocky intertidal zone. The virtual simulation experiment will allow for the isolation of Semibalanus and Chthamalus upon the rock along the intertidal zone. This undertaking is to observe how they associate high and low tides as water is displaced upon the rocky shoreline. Then an experiment on how Nucella added to the rock will affect the distribution patterns of Semibalanus, Chthamalus, and Nucella. The significance of this experiment is to understand the distributional patterns of Semibalanus, Chthamalus, and Nucella. If my hypothesis is correct when adding Semiballanus and Chthamalus then I should find that the Chthamalus will move toward the warm elevation of the rock and Semibalanus shall settle toward the deeper elevation of the rock. In the process, mortality rates should increase from each barnacle trying to gain more of the rock [1] [3].

A basic fact is that in order to obtain barnacles from a location one would have to move the rocks they are located on. However, to examine Semibalanus, Chthamalus, and Nucella (snails) barnacles a suitable virtual laboratory was used. Isolated populations of Semibalanus and Chthamalus were relocated to a large rock along the virtual intertidal coastline [2]. Thus virtual simulations of neap and spring tides were displayed on the screen in order to mimic the natural occurrences of these events. Clicking the go button on the simulation allowed the waves to come in and out. The Semibalanus and Chthamalus will then begin settling on the rock. A tide clock above the rock face will track high and low tides and the time elapsed. The first data plot was for seven days. A fourteen-day cycle was also run to experiment with Semibalanus and Chthamalus to observe their activities. Distribution patterns were discerned to understand if they would both settle at the bottom of the rock [1].

Counting Semibalanus and Chthamalus was another method used through a line fixed length. This was achieved through a sampling tool creating a sampling transect. Counting Semibalanus and Chthamalus started through a vertical distribution process at 1-meter intervals for 14 days and data sets were captured. More sampling was needed between vertical intervals of 1 to 4 meters for another 14 days. Two more days of vertical sampling were achieved and data sets were recorded [1].

A classic exclusion experiment was run on the virtual simulation in which Semibalanus was excluded from the rock face. The prediction was then recorded on what would occur if Semibalanus was removed from rock and face and the result of the Chthamalus reaction. Semibalanus was put back upon the rock face and Chthamalus was observed to see if it would be devoured by Semibalanus or vice-versa. Next, the removal of Semibalanus and Chthamalus occurred to test a dead zone on the rock face to observe if Semibalanus or Chthamalus would overtake the area. Nucella was then introduced on the rock face to eat Semibalanus. This was done to observe Chthamalus and see if any changes would take place between Semibalanus and Chthamalus.

Vertical Distribution Table of Semibalanus and Chthamalus over 28 days Results of the distribution experiments indicate that Semibalanus settle more toward the bottom. Although a few Semibalanus settle on the top and middle of the rock. While the Chthamalus seem to settle more toward the middle and upper portion of the rock. Distribution of rock face change over time. Observations indicate that through distribution and over time within a 28 days period the Semibalanus settle more toward the bottom of the rock over a 28-day period. The Chthamalus tend to settle more toward the middle to the upper portion of the rock over a 28-day period. At 1 meter there was a 2 Semibalanus vertical distribution difference in samples. At 1 meter there was a 5 vertical distribution difference in Chthamalus. At 2 meters there was a 4 vertical distribution difference in Semibalanus. At 2 meters there was a 7-interval difference in Chthamalus. At 3 meters there was a vertical distribution of 0 Semibalanus. At 3 meters Chthamalus has a 1o vertical distribution difference. At 4 meters there was a vertical distribution difference of 1 Semibalanus. At 4 meters there was a 4 vertical distribution of Chthamalus. At 5 meters there was a 0 vertical distribution of Semibalanus. At 5 meters there was a 0 vertical distribution of Chthamalus. Temporal patterns of Semibalanus over a 14-day period observed indicated a vertical distribution of 18 on day 14, while Chthamalus had a vertical distribution of 22 on day 14. Semibalanus is capable of overgrowing and devouring Chthamalus when placed in a situation where this occurs over a 2 to the 3-day setting. Chthamalus and Semibalanus fight for space upon the rock even to the point of eating each other. When Nucella was added to the rock they devoured Semibalanus and allowed Chthamalus to become the dominant barnacle [1] [4] [5].

The hypothesis suggested that Semibalanus and Nucella must remain at the lower levels of the rock to obtain nutrients and cooler temperatures needed for survival during the tidal events. Furtherment of the hypothesis suggested Chthamalus must remain mostly at the upper levels of the rock formation to obtain nutrients and warmer temperatures for survival throughout the tidal events. This tends to indicate that Semibalanus must remain in cooler areas of the rock to obtain nutrients and cooler temperatures to sustain life [1] [4].

The results of the experiment indicated that the hypothesis was correct that Chthamalus must remain mostly at the upper levels of the rock formation to obtain nutrients and warmer temperatures for survival throughout the tidal events. This tends to indicate that Semibalanus must remain in cooler areas of the rock to obtain nutrients and cooler temperatures to sustain life. Furthermore, both Semibalanus and Chthamalus mortality rates increased from each barnacle trying to gain more of the rock. When Nucella was introduced they ate the Semibalanus making Chthamalus the dominant barnacle. The virtual lab experiment provided insight similar to the actual work done by JH. Connell in 1961 [1].

C.S.E. Citations

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Reaka-Kudla, M. L. (2001). Crustaceans. In Encyclopedia of Biodiversity (pp. 396–418). Elsevier.Barnacle - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Matthews-Cascon, H. (1996). Predation by Nucella lapillus (Linnaeus, 1758) on Littorina obtusata (Linnaeus, 1758) and Mytilus edulis (Linnaeus, 1758). https://www.academia.edu/1398568/Predation_by_Nucella_lapillus_Linnaeus_1758_on_Littorina_obtusata_Linnaeus_1758_and_Mytilus_edulis_Linnaeus_1758_

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