Population dynamics of Mytilus edulis along environmental gradients: density-dependent changes in adult mussel numbers

Abstract

The densities of each age class of adult mussels were measured over 8 yr on each of 12 intertidal mussel beds in the Exe estuary, SW UK. There was direct evidence of density-dependent changes in both seasons in some age classes on some beds. The indirect tests suggests that density-dependence was much more widespread over beds, age classes and seasons than had been suggested by the direct tests. Strong density-dependence at one scale may not be detected at a higher scale. -from Authors