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Article: The role of predation in the evolution of cementation in bivalves

Publication: Palaeontology
Volume: 34
Part: 2
Publication Date: June 1991
Page(s): 455 460
Author(s): Elizabeth M. Harper
DOI:
Addition Information

How to Cite

HARPER, E. M. 1991. The role of predation in the evolution of cementation in bivalves. Palaeontology34, 2, 455–460.

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The Palaeontological Association (Free Access)

Abstract

The independent appearance of many taxa of cementing bivalves during the early Mesozoic coincided with the marked increase in predation pressure described by Vermeij (1977, 1987). A causal link is implied by experimental work in which predators were offered the choice of byssate or cemented bivalve prey: cementation confers a significant selective advantage by inhibiting manipulability. The example illustrates the potential value to palaeontology of studies in behavioural ecology.
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