Title: Effect of Human Exploitation on the Intertidal Community Structure at the Valdivian Coast, Chile
Abstract: The structure of intertidal communities has been explained by the interaction of abiotic factors, especially by the action of waves and tides. This chapter discusses the effect of competition and predation on both structure and dynamics of the intertidal community, which gave rise to corresponding models. The chapter studies the effect of human predation on the intertidal community structure at the three sites of the Valdivian coast using a natural experiment approach, which assumes that site differences are a result of differential exploitation intensity. The new predatory action of man has been responsible for key changes of the intertidal community structure in highly exploited areas. Exclusion of human activity in Mehuin causes structural changes due to overexploitation of fast-recovering herbivorous and carnivorous species. Theoretical models also cannot explain the intertidal community structure as a function of biological interactions if the involvement of man as a carnivore and herbivore is ignored.
Publication Year: 1992
Publication Date: 1992-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 2
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot