Summary
Brief Summary
Classification
Names
Physical Description
General Body Plan
The Tentacles
Colouration
Ecology
Habitats
Crypsis
Larvae
Behaviour
Overview
Feeding
Predatory Defense Mechanisms
Survival Mechanisms
Reproduction
Reproductive Characteristics
Reproductive Strategy
Case Study
Ecological Role
Overview
Secondary Production
Sediment Processing
Biogeographic Distribution
Life History
Larval Development
Building of Sandy Tube
Early Benthic Development
Conservation and Threats
References & Links | Case Study
Unusual mass sightings of L. medusa individuals have coincided with major disturbance events, i.e. heavy cyclone-like tropical depressions. Consequences of such events include significant inputs of sediments and fresh water by neighbouring water systems, specifically those which have a seaward flow (W. Westheide, 2003).
Studies suggest that sediment deposition may cause terrebelids such as L. medusa inhabiting the area to abandon their residence. Such behaviour is indicative of a species capable of responding quickly to ecological disturbances of significant magnitude. The temporary pelagic phase of L. medusa could then serve as an indicator for freshwater erosion ejections into oceanic environments (W. Westheide, 2003). This opportunistic migratory behaviour itself may indeed be part of a flight reaction which highlights the ability of L. medusa to colonise new marine sediments in the wake of large-scale disturbance events of their former shallow-water habitats.
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