Date of Award
1970
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Dobkin, Sheldon
Abstract
This paper presents data relative to the ecology and bathymetric distribution of hermatypic gorgonians. The reefs were analyzed with respect to faunal composition and zonation. Ecological data such as turbidity, light penetration, salinity, dissolved oxygen and temperature were taken directly on the reefs. The main reef was carbondated (C^14 ) to determine the length of time required for development. Gorgonians were transplanted from 9 meters to 18 and 30 meters to observe growth rates and spicule changes. The relationships of zooxanthellae to the hermatypic Gorgonacea were analyzed and discussed. Experiments were conducted concerning respiration and photosynthetic rates, minimum oxygen tolerance, compensation intensities and depth, and starvation in the light as well as in the dark. Tolerance limits were establIshed for various levels of salinity, and temperature. Feeding behavior experiments were recorded and the relationship of gorgonian populations to the reef structure and community were discussed.
Extent
140 p.
Recommended Citation
Goldberg, Walter M., "Some Aspects of the Ecology of the Reefs of Palm Beach County, Florida, with Emphasis on the Gogonacea and their Bathymetric Distribution" (1970). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 1970 - 1979. 27.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_2/27
Identifier
FA00000770
Comments
Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1970.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1970.