文摘
The grazer-reversal hypothesis predicts that grazers will decrease the diversity of primary producers in nutrient-poor environments and increase diversity in nutrient-rich environments. We tested this hypothesis in a high rocky intertidal limpet dominated habitat in the south island of New Zealand (SINZ). Five sites, two of high productivity on the west coast of the SINZ, and three on the east coast of the SINZ were used. Using the comparative-experimental method, replicated grazer exclosure experiments were conducted at each site. Results were consistent were consistent with the grazer-reversal hypothesis; algal diversity and biomass were negative affected at nutrient-poor sites and unaffected at nutrient-rich sites.