UCB Moorea Class: Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands

A series of experiments were designed to test the preference for micro-habitat selection by microgastropods. Collections in the field and experiments showed a significant preference for Hibiscus leaf litter as a micro-habitat site. Lab and field manipulations performed quantified the strong preference for Hibiscus leaf litter. Due to the important role calcium has in shell formation, calcium content was hypothesized to be the primary mechanism driving the preference for Hibiscus litter. Therefore, Hibiscus and Inocarpus leaves were analyzed using ICP spectrometry. Although thought to be higher in Hibiscus leaves, calcium content was highest in Inocarpus petioles. Other possible mechanisms discussed include: water retention differences between the two leaf types and availability of calcium upon decomposition.