The Ecology of Patella Linnaeus from the Cape Peninsula, South Africa I. Zonation, Movements and Feeding

Abstract

The genus Patella comprises intertidal and infratidal animals, which- are important not only because of their relative abundance on most shores, but because of the marked effectthey may have on the ecology of these shores. Despite this, little is known about their detailed ecology in South Africa. The present paper is an introduction to their ecology: principally their zonation, relative movements and feeding habits.