Fifty years from the publication of the first two papers on Chilean rocky intertidal assemblages: Honoring Professor Eric R. Guiler

Abstract

In this paper I review and honor the scientific rocky intertidal findings made by the Australian investigator Professor Eric R. Guiler, who visited Chile in 1955. He pioneered this line of research in the country and published the first two papers on the Chilean rocky intertidal biotic zonation for northern and central Chile: Guiler 1959a, b. I remark Guiler´s main observations and hypotheses about the structure and dynamics of these systems. I highlight the observations made by Guiler inside the Bay of Antofagasta and contrast them with recent experimental ecological work carried out inside this bay. Finally, I refer to the extensive and significant contributions made by Chilean researchers in this line of research and international recognition.