Detailed examinations of an algal-microherbivore symbiosis have revealed mutualistic components of such herbivore-plant interactions. High-resolution photomicroscopy and experimental analyses in the field and laboratory were used to evaluate effects of foraging by Haliotis rufescens (red abalone) postlarvae #x2DC; 200 #x3BC;m in length, on their encrusting red algal hosts, Lithothamnion (=Lithothamnium) californicum, Lithophyllum lichenare, and Hildenbrandia rubra (=H. prototypus). We have quantified the microscopic food availability, postlarval foraging behaviour, changes in stomach and faecal contents, growth, and mutualistic effects of grazing. Host algae were found to benefit both from a reduction in coverage by epiphytic algae, and from enhancement of vegetative growth.
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