Rapid, Long-Distance Dispersal by Pumice Rafting
Figure 3
Proportions of rafted epibionts along the trajectory.
Number refers to number of taxonomic units identified at each sample site. Marine invertebrates are grouped in terms of feeding behaviours. Suspension and filter feeders (e.g., cheilostome Bryozoa, goose barnacles, hydroids/scyphozoans, serpulids, corals, molluscs, and oysters) show significant early recruitment (Tonga) with epibiont diversity generally maintained along the raft trajectory. The numbers of plants (cyanobacteria, macroalgae and calcareous algae) increased with time and along the trajectory, particularly once pumice had arrived into eastern Australian waters. Overall, epibiont diversity increased with time. Bar graphs are colour-coded with respect to observation/collection timing: purple, February 2007; blue, April-May 2007 and; green, December 2007. N is total number of species/taxonomic units observed, and n is number of pumice clasts described from each location. Abbreviations: Ph, photosynthetic; S & FF, suspension & filter feeders; G & B, grazers & borers; P & S, predators and scavengers. Locations: MR, Marion Reef; MA, Mackay; LM, Lady Musgrave; BR, Broadbeach; BB, Byron Bay; BA, Ballina. Tonga sample site occurs ∼2900 km to the east. Base map from Google Earth.