Distribution of gastropods in a tidal flat in association with digestive enzyme activities

DOI Web Site 6 Citations 24 References Open Access
  • Liu Wen
    Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
  • Tanimura Aya
    Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
  • Imai Tatsuro
    Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University
  • Kanaya Gen
    National Institute for Environmental Studies
  • Niiyama Takatoshi
    Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
  • Maegawa Shingo
    Intelligence Science and Technology, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University
  • Kohzu Ayato
    National Institute for Environmental Studies
  • Kimura Taeko
    Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University
  • Toyohara Haruhiko
    Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University

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Abstract

We investigated the relationship between digestive function and ecological distribution for four related species of Gastropoda (Cerithidea rhizophorarum, Cerithidea cingulata, Batillaria multiformis, and Batillaria attramentaria) inhabiting the Tanaka River estuary (Mie Prefecture, Japan). We compared the digestive enzyme activities for four hard degradable carbohydrates, namely, cellulose, mannan, xylan, and laminarin. Among the investigated four species, Cerithidea rhizophorarum showed the highest cellulase, mannanase, xylanase, and laminarinase activities, and was also dominantly distributed in the estuary reed bed. The results of CN stable isotopic analysis suggested that this species assimilated organic matter derived from reeds. Hard degradable carbohydrates, including plant components derived from the reed bed or from dry land, accumulate in the sediment of estuaries. Estuarine benthic animals are assumed to consume these accumulated hard degradable carbohydrates, as well as microphytobenthos and particulate organic matter (including phytoplankton). Our present findings suggest that Cerithidea rhizophorarum is dominant in reed beds because it can more efficiently digest plant-derived carbohydrates than can Cerithidea cingulata, B. multiformis, and B. attramentaria. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study to demonstrate that the specific ecological distribution of related animal species with similar ecological traits can be explained by the efficiency of their digestive enzyme activity.

Journal

  • Plankton and Benthos Research

    Plankton and Benthos Research 9 (3), 156-167, 2014

    The Plankton Society of Japan, The Japanese Association of Benthology

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