This is measured relative to another sponge that lacks the defensive trait. Sponge defense Ī sponge defense is a trait that increases a sponge fitness when faced with a spongivore. Spongivores also have enough brain development to be able to remember the same species of sponge it has eaten in the past and will continue to eat in the future. Therefore, spongivores are able to consume a variety of sponges without getting harmed. Spongivores have adapted to be able to handle the secondary metabolites that sponges have. A spongivore would bite small sample of sponges and if they were unharmed that they would continue eating that specific sponge and then move on to another sponge of the same colour. Ĭhoice based on colour was involved based on which sponge the spongivore would choose to eat. Spongivores have three primary strategies for dealing with sponge defenses: choice based on colour, able to handle secondary metabolites and brain development for memory. These skills allow spongivores to increase their feeding and use of sponges. The many defenses displayed by sponges means that their spongivores need to learn skills to overcome these defenses to obtain their food. Turret sponge, eaten by some spongivores. Ĭertain species of nudibranchs are known to feed selectively on specific species of sponges. The rock beauty Holocanthus tricolor is also spongivorous, with sponges making up 96% of their diet. Pomacanthus imperator, the emperor angelfish Lactophrys bicaudalis, the spotted trunkfish and Stephanolepis hispidus, the planehead filefish are known spongivorous coral reef fish. Sponges of various select species constitute up to 95% of the diets of Caribbean hawksbill turtle populations. It is the only known spongivorous reptile. The hawksbill turtle is one of the few animals known to feed primarily on sponges. As a result of their diet, spongivore animals like the hawksbill turtle have developed sharp, narrow bird-like beak that allows them to reach within crevices on the reef to obtain sponges. Green Sea Turtle Eating Underwater.A spongivore is an animal anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating animals of the phylum Porifera, commonly called sea sponges, for the main component of its diet.
Most than 90% of hatchlings are eaten by these predators.įlatback turtle nests are susceptible to predation by monitor lizards, dingoes, and introduced foxes. Killer whales have been known to prey on leatherback turtles.įishes, dogs, seabirds, raccoons, crabs and flocks of gulls, and other predators prey on eggs and hatchlings. Tiger sharks, in particular, are known for eating sea turtles.
#Hawksbill sea turtle predators skin
Although sea turtles cannot withdraw their heads into their shells, the adults are protected from predators by their shells, large size and thick scaly skin on their heads and necks.
Sea grass beds provide breeding and developmental grounds for numerous species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans.Īdult sea turtles have few predators, mostly large sharks. Sea turtles act as grazing animals that keep the sea grass short and help maintain the health of the sea grass beds. Sea turtles, especially green sea turtles, are one of the few animals that eat sea grass. Each species tend to specialise in different diet.
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