This study of the distribution of the fresh-water sponge, Meyenia fluviatilis, at the Lincoln Beach area of Utah Lake involved the following: First, sampling of the area for the presence or absence of the species. Second, sampling at two separate areas at different depth intervals to determine if the number of sponge colonies and colony size were in any way related to depth. Finally, monthly sampling at one area to determine when gemmules of M. fluviatilis were present in the sponge colonies. Meyenia fluviatilis was found to be commonly distributed in 1-2 m of water on the lower surface of the larger rocks at 30 transects approximately 100 m apart. At the 1-2 m depth interval, the largest number of colonies (36 colonies per 50 rocks at area A and 69 colonies at area 8) were recorded. The average colony size was also greatest at this same depth (21.5 cm for area A and 26 cm for area 8). The lowest monthly percent of gemmules observed at area 8 occurred in June (22 %), while August was the highest observation with 70 %. Gemmules were observed every month and no sponge colony disintegration was observed during any month.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BGMYU2/oai:scholarsarchive.byu.edu:etd-8882 |
| Date | 01 August 1972 |
| Creators | Smith, Chadwick E. |
| Publisher | BYU ScholarsArchive |
| Source Sets | Brigham Young University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/ |
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