V-A-2 



Kraeuter, J.N., and P.L. Wolf. 1974. The relationship of marine macro- 

 invertebrates to salt marsh plants. Pages 449-462 jn^R.J. Reimold and 

 W.H. Queen, eds., Ecology of halophytes. Academic Press, New York. 



In spite of the numerous ecological works on salt marsh plants, most 

 of which are concerned with zonation, primary production, or nutrient 

 requirements, the effects of the invertebrates on the vegetation have 

 received little attention. Some workers have listed large numbers of 

 marine invertebrate species inhabiting the marsh, but when the creeks, 

 pools, and similar areas are eliminated, only a few species remain to 

 dominate the marsh proper. 



The marsh continuum includes the areas covered by halophtes, barren 

 areas called pannes, pools surrounded by grasses, and the creeks that 

 drain the surface. For purposes of the study the salt marsh is con- 

 sidered to begin where halophytes other than submerged aquatics appear. 

 Pools and drainage creeks are not included in the scope of the study. 



Summarizing the effects of invertebrates on halophytes, the authors 

 divide both the marine invertebrates and the insects into two major 

 groups: 1) those that live directly on plant tissues; and 2) those living 

 on detritus and algae. The majority of the marine invertebrates are 

 algal-detrital feeders and have no direct effect on the halophytes. 

 In general, they enter the terrestrial food chain by raccoons, clapper 

 rails, ibis, and waterfowl; and they enter the marine food chain as 

 larval forms or as food for crabs such as Eurytium and Callinectes 

 or fish breeding in the marsh. The insects eating plant tissue and sap 

 obviously do direct harm to the halophytes, though consumption probably 

 does not exceed 10 percent. 



A useful bibliography is included, (J.B.) 



Keywords: marine macroinvertebrates, salt marsh plants, halophytes, 

 food chain, plant-invertebrate relationships 



V-A-3 



Ursin, M.J. 1972. Life in and around the salt marshes. Thomas Y. 

 Crowell Co., New York. 110 pp. 



The book presents descriptions of plants and animals and habitats 

 that are commonly observed in salt marshes. It also includes many 

 species of plants and animals that are frequently encountered in the 

 marshes but are not regular inhabitants. 



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