Energy flow and population dynamics of the barnacle Balanus glandula

The energetics and population dynamics of a barnacle (Balanus glandula Darwin) population in British Columbia, Canada, were studied. Consumption, energy flow, production and mortality were 6844.6, 6667.0, 2896.5 and 2522.8 Kcal m^-2 year^-1, respectively. These energy flow and production values are among the highest for animal populations reported, and therefore strongly suggest the functional importance of E. glandula in littoral systems. The young age groups of the first-year settlements were most important in contributing to the energy flow, production and reproduction of the entire population. Most of the assimilated energy in the older age groups was used in respiration. Copyright © 1979 Springer-Verlag.