Larval settlement in echinoderms: a review of processes and patterns
chapter
posted on 2023-05-22, 20:16authored byDoll, PC, Caballes, CF, Hoey, AS, Uthicke, S, Scott LingScott Ling, Pratchett, MS
Echinoderms are a common component of benthic marine ecosystems, with many being ecologically and/or economically important. Like many marine organisms, most echinoderms have a bipartite life history with a planktonic larval phase and a benthic adult phase. The transition between these phases (i.e. settlement) is complex and comprises a cascade of events including the location, exploration and selection of suitable benthic habitat, and metamorphosis to adapt from a pelagic to a benthic lifestyle. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the various processes involved in the settlement phase across all five extant classes of echinoderms. Central to the review is a detailed assessment of settlement behaviour and the diverse mechanisms of settlement induction. Most echinoderms, including keystone sea urchins, starfishes and sea cucumbers, do not settle indiscriminately; specific environmental conditions or cues are often necessary for settlement to occur, resulting in marked spatial and temporal variability in settlement rates. Fluctuations in settlement, in turn, lead to major changes in the local abundance of echinoderms and often have profound ecological consequences, due to the pivotal role that many echinoderms play in ecosystem functioning. Given important knowledge gaps persist, this review also explores opportunities for future research to advance our understanding of this critical early life-history phase.
Funding
Australian Research Council
History
Publication title
Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review
Volume
60
Editors
SJ Hawkins
Pagination
435-496
ISBN
9781032265056
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Extent
14
Rights statement
Copyright 2022 The Authors
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Coastal or estuarine biodiversity; Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in coastal and estuarine environments