Irvine, Calif., October 9, 2024 — Researchers at the UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, led by Professor Matthew Bracken, have unveiled new findings in marine ecology that shed light on the intricate relationships between the organisms living in local tide pools. The study, published in the journal Ecology, explores how consumers such as snails, typically seen as harmful to algae, can actually play a dual role in facilitating their growth. This discovery could have wide-reaching implications for understanding marine ecosystems and addressing challenges posed by declining biodiversity.
The core problem addressed by this research is the complexity of consumer-producer interactions in marine ecosystems. While it may seem straightforward that snails feed on algae, potentially depleting their populations, the study reveals a more nuanced dynamic. “We have shown that the relationship is actually much more complicated,” said Professor Bracken. “The snails not only consume the algae, but they also help them grow in two important ways: by recycling nutrients and providing a surface that promotes algal settlement.”
The research team conducted a series of experiments in Southern California tide pools to investigate this dual role. Snails, particularly turban and littorine snails, were found to benefit algae through releasing ammonium — a nitrogen compound that acts as a natural fertilizer — which promotes algal growth. Furthermore, as snails move, they leave behind slime trails that attract algae, acting as a sticky “trap” that promotes their settlement in the tide pools. “The snails are essentially farming their own food!” said Professor Bracken. “They don’t just eat the algae — they help them grow as well.”
The study’s innovative approach involved using non-invasive techniques to measure algal biomass without disrupting the natural ecosystem, allowing researchers to observe these complex interactions firsthand. “We employed a pulse amplitude modulated fluorometer, which shines a bright light on the algae, stimulating photosynthesis, and then measures the photosynthetic efficiency by quantifying the energy released,” said Professor Bracken. “It proved to be a really good way of measuring how much algal biomass was growing on the rocks and how the snails were affecting it.”
One of the most exciting aspects of the study is its implications for future research and biodiversity conservation. The findings suggest that maintaining a diverse mix of snail species could enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems. Different snail species contribute in unique ways — some excel at recycling nutrients while others are better at promoting algal recruitment. This diversity is key to the health of these systems. “Given the threats to biodiversity, especially among marine consumers, understanding the complex roles species play is crucial for mitigating the effects of biodiversity loss,” said Professor Bracken.
As our oceans face mounting pressures from climate change and human activities, studies like this one offer hope by uncovering natural mechanisms that can support ecosystem sustainability.
About the University of California, Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences: Recognized for its pioneering research and academic excellence, the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences plays a crucial role in the university’s status among the nation’s top 10 public universities, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. It offers a broad spectrum of degree programs in the biological sciences, fostering innovation and preparing students for leadership in research, education, medicine and industry. Nestled in a globally acclaimed and economically vibrant community, the school contributes to the university’s impact as Orange County’s largest employer and a significant economic contributor. Through its commitment to exploring life’s complexities, the Dunlop School embodies the UCI legacy of innovation and societal impact. For more on the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, visit https://www.bio.uci.edu/.