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"Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands" (Environmental Sciences and Policy Management 107 and Integrative Biology 158) - Fall 2006.

Download the Paper (461 K, PDF file) - December 1, 2006 Related Files: Himes_Valencia Octopus Appendix.pdf (8284 kB) Appendix: Octopuses of Mo’orea, French Polynesia Tell a colleague about it. Printing Tips: Select 'print as image' in the Acrobat print dialog if you have trouble printing.

ABSTRACT:
Octopuses are known for the advanced behaviors and elaborate displays used in predator avoidance. Although studies have provided anecdotal evidence on the defense mechanisms of these animals, whether these behaviors vary under light and dark conditions is unknown. This study investigated the diurnal and nocturnal predator defense mechanism s of Octopus bocki (Adams, 1941) in Moorea, French Polynesia. Seven behaviors were identified as primary defense mechanisms for protection from fish predators during daylight and nighttime hours. Rates of occurrence and durations for defense behaviors significantly differed between diurnal and nocturnal conditions, as O. bocki frequently Crawled during the daylight hours , but sat still and Curled during the nighttime hours. Results indicate that O. bocki modifies predator defense behaviors for survival under light and dark conditions.

SUGGESTED CITATION:
Natalie Valencia, "Differences in the Diunral and Nocturnal Defense Mechanisms of Octopus Bocki (Adams, 1941)" (December 1, 2006). Water Resources Center Archives. Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands (ESPM 107/IB 158). Paper valencia.
http://repositories.cdlib.org/wrca/moorea/valencia