UPTON COURT GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Beadlet Anemone
How does the diameter of Beadlet
Anemone Actinia equina affect the
distance to its nearest Beadlet
anemone on an exposed rocky shore?
-

Punya Kapoor

Abstract: The beadlet anemones of the genus

Taxonomy (1)
Actinia are commonly found on the rocky shores of Dale
Fort, Pembrokeshire and are solitary polyps. This
Kingd
Animali
investigation was undertaken on 2nd October, 2014 on
om
a
Castle beach, an exposed rocky shore. It was designed
Phylu
Cnidaria
to explore the relationship between the diameter of the
m
beadlet anemone and the distance to its nearest
Class
Anthozo
neighbour. Carrying out a shore profile allowed me to
find out where the beadlets were most abundant. The
a
preliminary study helped me to improve my method
Order
Actinari
techniques; for e.g. using a thread and a ruler to
a
measure the distances between the anemones rather
Family
Actiniid
than just a ruler, how to measure the height above the
ae
tide level using a simple level and ruler. Data regarding
the confounding variables that could potentially
Genus Actinia
influence the position of beadlet anemones were
recorded for the final investigation. The Spearmans Rank test was used to
examine the strength of the relationship between the two variables. Strong

Punya Kapoor
positive correlation was recorded indicating that as the diameter of the beadlet
anemone increases, its distance to the nearest neighbour beadlet anemone
increases.

Table of Contents
Research and Rationale

Risk Assessment 10
Ethics

12

How to use a vernier caliper 12

Trial method...
.13
Improvements to the
method
..17
Final investigation.

18
Conclusion
..23
Evaluation
26
Source
Evaluation
..28
Bibliography
..30

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Punya Kapoor

How does the diameter of Beadlet Anemone Actinia

equina affect the distance to its nearest neighbouring
anemone on an exposed rocky shore?
Aim: To measure the diameter of the Beadlet anemones and the distances to
their nearest Beadlet anemones.

Research and Rationale:

Null Hypothesis: There will be no statistically significant correlation between
the diameter of Beadlet anemones and the distance to their nearest Beadlet
anemone.

Experimental Hypothesis: There will be a statistically significant correlation

between the diameter of the Beadlet anemones and the distance to their nearest
Beadlet anemone.

Working Hypothesis: As the diameter of Beadlet anemones increases, their

distances from the nearest Beadlet anemones increase. Spearmans rank test
will highlight a positive correlation between the two.

JUSTIFICATION OF THE INVESTIGATION:

The beadlet anemone (Latin name:
Actinia equina) is the most familiar
sea anemone in Britain. They have
a broad (up to 5cm in diameter)
base (2) which is firmly adhesive,
with a smooth column. When
exposed to air, it appears as a
bright red blob of jelly. Gaseous
exchange is by diffusion through
the body wall; this is sufficient as it
does not have great demands for
energy and so it does not require
too much oxygen. When feeding,
Figure 1 (33) Anatomy of an anemone
up to 192 tentacles emerge,
showing the stinging tentacles that can
arranged in 6 circles around the
be used to attack its prey.
mouth. Although sea anemones usually remain static, they can use their pedal
disc to move slowly flexing their body or using their tentacles to swim slowly to
another location. The smooth body of the anemone, correctly known as the
column is usually bright red in colour. The sea anemone has just one external
opening. This single opening acts as both a mouth and an anus and all waste
and undigested material is excreted through this opening. . There is often a
brilliant blue line around the adhesive base, and bright blue spots (known as
acrorhagi) containing stinging cells are located at the top of the column (2).

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Figure 2 The tidal diagram for Milford Haven where Dale Fort is situated in West
Wales. Extreme Low Water Springs (ELWS) = 0.0m, Mean Low Water Neaps=2.5m, Mean
High Water Neaps = 5.2m, Extreme High Water Springs=7.8m.

The project will be carried out at Dale Fort in Pembrokeshire as it is home to

rocky shores which are preferred by the beadlet anemones. Rocky shores are
rich in marine biodiversity, with a great range of species occupying the different
marine zones down the shore. Unfortunately, I did not come across Beadlet
anemone while doing my shore profile but my peers profile of the rocky shore
revealed that they occupied all levels from the lower to upper shore. In order
for my investigation to be effective, a height has to be chosen at which beadlet
anemones will be abundant. This would make the setting up of line transect
much easier and would make locating the beadlets less ambiguous. According
to the shore profile, beadlets are most abundant between MLWN and MHWN
(see the above figure). This is also known as lower mid-littoral zone.
Environmental conditions on the middle shore are more favourable for the
majority of inter-tidal organisms. The middle part of an exposed shore is subject
to heavy wave action and is bathed in strong sunlight for much of the day. It is
also facing into the prevailing wind which makes it dry faster (3). Anemones can
cope with desiccation stress here as they do not dry out completely since this
shore gets 20-80% cover by water (3). The diversity of the rocky shore
decreases up the shore but beadlet anemone is one of the few anemones able to
survive on the upper parts of shores (4). All tidal heights are measures from chart
datum which is the lowest recorded astronomical tide. It is also the plane to
which all the tidal heights are referred, so by adding the tidal height to the
charted depth, the true depth of water is determined (5).

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The study is being undertaken in October during the time when the shore
experiences neap tides. A neap tide is a relatively low high tide, or a generally
low tidal range between low and high tides. This would allow easier collection of
the data as the tides wouldnt be too high and it would be less hazardous. When
the shore experiences neap tides, they may be days when the lower shore never
dries out and the upper shore never gets water. This is an environmental
gradient of desiccation.
Figure 3 There
is little
difference
between high
and low tides
during a neap
tide. (36)

Investigating the beadlet anemones present on only Castle beach which is an

exposed shore will allow me to control the exposure aspect giving more accurate
results. It is situated 160 from true north (6), is south to south westerly facing
and is graded 4 on the Ballantine Exposure Scale i.e. it is semi exposed. Bill
Ballantine came up with the idea of using species as indicators of how exposed
the shore is. It is a very useful tool to help indicate the level of wave action of a
rocky shore. It is an 8 point scale where 1 is very exposed and 8 is very sheltered
(7). It allows people to control their experiments.
It is a gently sloping shore and hence, inspecting anemones on it will be easier.
The wave action is bigger on an exposed shore than a sheltered shore but this
anemones strong sticky base allows it to stick to the rocks when the tide is out.
At low tide, they retract their tentacles reducing their surface area to a minimum,
trap water inside their body and cope with desiccation (1). Desiccation is when
an organism loses water from its body. They can cope with exposure to air as
long as they do not dry out. A secretion of mucus reduces water loss yet further.
If conditions on the rocky shore become unfavourable, they have the ability to

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Figure 4 (15) Ballantine Exposure Scale. Castle beach has an exposure of 4.

Punya Kapoor
detach themselves and inflate their bodies to change their buoyancy. They are
then carried off by the currents to settle elsewhere. Because Actinia equina has
the highest tolerance to stress (low tide and temperature) of any anemone in
Europe and lives the highest up the seashore of all the anemones, it makes them
easier to investigate. They have been shown to fluctuate very little in metabolic
functioning as their mitochondrial activity shows little change i.e. between 7.5C
and 22.5C. This allows effective and continual balance of energy production and
consumption (and so maintenance of body mass) across a range of
temperatures. They are suitable for my investigation as these features (such as
coping with desiccation) and size will make for more accurate and fair results
than other organisms on the shore like lichens, pepper dulse, etc. and will
prevent confusion with other organisms such as Snakelocks anemone.
I will only be analysing the beadlet anemones attached to the rocks. They are
also found in rockpools but it is not an ideal habitat for them if Snakelocks
anemones are present there too. Beadlet anemones may be eliminated or
reduced significantly by this competition. This will not be the case when they are
stuck to the rocks. Also, the diameters of the anemones present on the rocks
would be easier to measure with a vernier calliper as outside water, they appear
as blobs of jelly. However, if they were to be measured in the rockpools, their
tentacles would come in the way and would make it much harder to collect the
diameter results.
Beadlet anemones are either male or female, but it is not yet understood if
sexual reproduction occurs. Both sexes are known to brood offspring internally
before giving birth to live young. It is thought that the offspring are produced
asexually by a process of internal budding. These clones remain attached to
the rock and go their own way. In this way they rapidly colonise the shore. The
second method may involve sperm being released by a male into the water
where they swim and eventually fertilise the female and she releases minute sea
anemones into the water. These anemones often remain in the same place for
several days, weeks or even months. However, they may creep around on their
basal disc (see fig. 1) very slowly.

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According to the journal Nature, there is a size related difference in the
aggressive response of the beadlets (8). Beadlet anemones are solitary polyps.
They have a high concentration of nematocysts and can be used to show
aggression to neighbouring anemones by inflammation (9). This is used to fight
for territory. Larger ones display greater aggressive interactions and emerge
victorious in food contests and competitive survival more commonly than smaller
beadlets (10). This may result in differences in the spacing between these
anemones as larger beadlets may nudge other anemones further away. Hence
why, I want to examine the correlation between the size of these sea anemones
and the distance to their nearest neighbour.

Beadlet anemone is a nocturnal feeder that paralyses its prey by its tentacles
and then entangles and draws it into the mouth. The undigested components
are excreted through the oral opening. The prey items include small fish,
plankton, crustaceans and molluscs. Their nervous systems are diffuse and noncentralised and they lack distinct organs for excretion and gas exchange.
However, in their adult polyp phase, they are sedentary animals, morphologically
and neurologically among the simplest that engage in contests (11).They get
predated upon by grey sea slug as mentioned earlier and tompot plenny. These
Figure 6 Beadlet anemone in a rock
pool (23).

Figure 5 - Beadlet anemone exposed

at low tide with tentacles withdrawn.
(22)

predators dont get affected by the beadlet anemones stinging tentacles and
often use them as their defence mechanism.
Using Spearmans rank as my statistical test will allow me to test the degree of
correlation between my independent (diameter of beadlet anemone) and
dependent (distance to nearest beadlet anemone) variables. A figure is
calculated between -1 to +1, indicating a negative or positive correlation
respectively. This technique will provide a quantitative figure that may conclude
if the spacing between beadlet anemones if affected by their diameter. I will be
examining 15 beadlets for my report as the minimum suggested sample size for
this statistical test is 10. They will be selected using randomly generated
numbers on my calculator and then selecting the nearest beadlet anemone to a
point on a tape measure corresponding to the random numbers to reduce the
effect of observer bias. The scatter diagram is a useful and an important
summary for this type of data (12) as it will allow us to view the extent of
correlation diagrammatically.

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Actinia equina have the ability to attach their pedal foot to hard substrates,
expose their tentacles primarily at night, reproduce by both cloning and sexual
reproduction involving a plaktonic larval stage, and are mostly stationary with
the exception of some slow lateral movement. Their relative abundance and
sedentary lifestyle made them a suitable organism for my investigation.

I will be using the following equipment for my investigation:

Measuring tape 12m to create a line transect on a height on the shore.
2 x 1 metre rules (precision 0.1mm) to measure the height above chart
datum.
Simple level/clinometer used to see horizontally ahead when measuring the
height above chart datum.

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Punya Kapoor

30 cm ruler (precision 0.1mm) to measure the distances between beadlet

anemones.
Clipboard and paper used to record the observations.
Pencil used to write the results down. It is used instead of a pen to prevent
water from the rock pools, rain and waves from smudging.
Calculator to generate random numbers for the samples
Vernier Calliper (precision 0.02mm) to measure the diameter of the
beadlet anemone precisely as it allows you to measure up to 2 decimal
places.
Data logger will be attached to an anemometer, lux meter and thermometer
to measure wind speed, light intensity and temperature respectively.
Variables are measured with greater precision.

Some variables can be controlled to improve the reliability and accuracy of the
results such as:
Height above chart datum: This will allow me to minimise any effect that
the variation in height may cause the size of the beadlet anemones. This will
be measured by using a metre rule and a simple level. It will be verified by
my colleague to ensure that my ruler is straight and that I am at the correct
height.
Shore type: I am carrying out my experiment on a rocky shore with one level
of exposure.
Equipment used: I will use the same vernier calliper and ruler throughout
the investigation to ensure that there is a consistency in my method and
minimise any zero errors.
Season that the investigation is being carried out in: The experiment
will be carried out in October as polyps appear to acclimate to high
temperatures (13). In winter, upper shore rock pools may freeze and in
summers, they may dry. Even though the anemones are adapted to cope with
a range of temperature change; low temperatures may decrease their
metabolic rate drastically and high temperatures may increase the rate to
such an extent that they may eventually die.

Person carrying out the experiment: This will remain the same as well to
avoid conflicts between the methods to measure the diameters and distances
minimising any human errors.

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CONFOUNDING VARIABLES are the variables that may, in addition to the

variable independent variable, affect the outcome of the investigation. Ecological
investigations in particular, it is not always possible to keep confounding
variables constant. I will be monitoring the abiotic factors (e.g. temperature,
wind speed and light intensity) and will record them once at the start of the
investigation and once at the end. The upper limit of a species vertical range is
determined by abiotic factors and the lower limit is determined by biotic factors
(see fig. 3). In this way, it may be possible to decide whether or not the factor
concerned affects the outcome of the experiment.
Temperature: It will be measured at the height where the experiment is
being carried out using a
Figure 7 - The sketch above shows the factors
thermometer. As temperatures
controlling the vertical range of species and its
ecological niche (25).
rise, the metabolic rate will
increase until eventually it will die. Low temperatures are accompanied by a
lower metabolic rate.
Wind speed: This can be measured using an anemometer and can be done
by holding the device up in the air at the height where the investigation is
being carried out.
Light intensity: This will be measured in Lux using a lux meter holding it
away from the body to prevent human errors.
Competition: Inter-specific competition occurs when niches of different
species overlap. If Snakelocks anemones are present in the rock pools,
Beadlet Anemones may be eliminated or reduced significantly by this
competition as they both occupy similar niches (14). Ritual fights, threat
postures and displays are used to allow stronger individuals to reproduce and
exclude the weaker ones within the species. This may also affect the
population of the anemones.
Predation: They can be preyed upon by other organisms such as Grey sea
slugs decreasing their numbers.
Salinity of water: Even though Beadlet anemone can tolerate water with
variable salinity, it may prevent the anemone opening to feed. However, it did
not affect my results whilst I carried out the investigation.
Substrate: The hardness and the size of the rock may affect an organisms
ability to attach itself (15). If stones are too small they will be mobile, moving
around in the surf and so prevent Beadlet anemones from attaching
themselves to the rocks. If the
rocks are too small, there wont
be enough space for the
anemones to stick on affecting
the distance between them.
This may decrease the accuracy
of my results. So, by carrying
out my investigation on one
shore limits the difference
between the two substrates
controlling this variable.
Wave exposure: The force of
waves is extremely variable
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from day to day so carrying out the complete investigation on the same day
during a limited time span will minimise the effect of this confounding
variable.
An organism will have an upper and a lower tolerance limit for different abiotic
factors and these determine the tolerance range. Organisms cannot survive the
extreme conditions outside this range. An organism will have an optimum range
within which it is best adapted, and its response is the greatest (16).Either side
of the optimum range lay the physiological stress zones where the organism
struggles to survive as it uses energy and nutrients to oppose the negative
environmental conditions, leaving less for growth and reproduction.

RISK ASSESSMENT:
The rocky shore can be a
hazardous environment if appropriate precautions are not taken.
Risk

Harm
caused

Barnacle
encrusted
rocks

Graze or
scrape
yourself
when
climbing

Risk level
(1=not
very
dangerous
, 5= very
dangerous
)
3

Risk
likelihood
(1=not
very
likely, 5=
very
likely)
4

Controls

Slippery
rocks

Bruises,
slip and
trip can
cause
serious
injuries

New risk
likelihood

2
Be careful
while
climbing
Wear
appropriate
clothing
Carry a first
aid kit
Know where
to get help
if necessary
in case of
emergency
Wear strong, 2
non-slippery
walking
Figure
- Typical
shoes8like
physiological
wellington
tolerance
curve
showing
how species
boots that
respond to changing
have a good
abiotic factors that
they cannot escape

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Falling
rocks

Drowning

Can cause
serious
head
injuries
Drowning,
death

Wind
chills

Hypother
mia

Rain

Slip and
trip as
rocks get
slippery

Going too
far away
from the
fort

Risk of
getting
lost,
Put to
greater
risk if hurt

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grip
Should
move away
from the
site
Stay clear of
the water
Do not work
near the
water for
prolonged
period of
time
Check the
tide times
before
leaving
Wear
appropriate
clothing
and avoid
getting wet
by wear
waterproofs
Be careful
while
walking or
climbing on
the rocks
Wear
appropriate
shoes with a
good grip
Do not go to
the beach
alone
Do not go
outside the
fort on your
own
Make sure
that you can
be
contacted
Have
emergency
numbers on
your phone

Punya Kapoor
Stings/bit
es from
marine
animals

Allergic
reaction

Wear
appropriate
clothing and
gloves
Keep
antihistamin
e with you

Key risk information for Castle Beach:

Site Name: CASTLE
Maps: OL36
BEACH
Postcode: SA62 3RD Grid References: SM 819 050
Escape Routes: Only route is to along the coast path back to the road
Site Description: Exposed rocky shore (BES grade 3-4). Used for rocky shore
investigations. Allow 15 minutes walk from the fort.
Location of Nearest Phone and/or Dwelling: Point Farm (SM 815 053) and
Dale Fort Field Centre (SM 824 052)
Mobile Phone Coverage: Variable across site depending on the provider walk
up the path to top of the hill to get signal.
Directions for Emergency Vehicle: Enter Dale and follow the one way system,
turn left up the lane to Dale Fort Field Centre, just after Point House go through
the field gate, then south across the field to coast path (SM 816 051).
Access Information: Via the coast path leading from the Fort towards St Annes
Head. Toilets; Dale Fort
Emergency Services (Telephone numbers and distances)
Doctor St Thomas Green Surgery 01437 762162 (14 miles)
Hospital/A&E Withybush, Harverfordwest 01437 764545 (15 miles)

Ethics:
Actinia equina is not protected under either UK Law (Animals [Scientific
Procedures] Act, 1986) nor listed in the general provisions (Article 1, Section 3) of
the European Directive (2010) on the protection of animals used for scientific
purposes (17). Be careful where you stand and respect to the life you find there.
It is important to replace any over turned rocks and to return animals and plants
to the exact place where they were found as the organisms that live on the rocky
shore are adapted to that particular habitat. When measuring the diameter of
the Beadlet anemone with a vernier, you must be careful while retracting it as
you may clip the organism causing it harm. Do not try to pull the anemones off
the rocks, as this may result in their death. Killing the organisms may disrupt the
food chain harming the ecosystem. Do not litter the shore as it may poison the
organisms.
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How to use a vernier calliper:

Figure 9- Diagram showing parts of the vernier calliper.

1. Open the jaws of the calliper and position them on both sides of the
beadlet anemone.
2. Close the jaws so that it gently touches the anemone without harming it.
3. Use the bottom scale which is in metric units.
4. The boldface numbers on the fixed scale are centimetres.
5. The tick marks on the fixed scale between the boldface numbers are
millimetres.
6. Read the centimetre mark on the fixed scale to the left of the 0-mark on
the vernier scale. (10mm on the fixed calliper) (see fig. 6)
7. Find the millimetre mark on the fixed scale that is just to the left of the 0mark on the vernier scale. (6mm on the fixed calliper) (see fig. 7)

Figure 11 (26)

Figure 10 (26)

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8. Look along the ten marks on the vernier scale and the millimetre marks on
the adjacent fixed scale, until you find the two that most nearly line up.
(0.25mm on the vernier scale) (see fig. 8)
9. To get the correct reading, simply add this found digit to your previous
reading. (10mm + 6mm + 0.25mm= 16.25 mm) (see fig. 9)

Figure 12 (26)

Figure 13 (26)

Trial Method:
A trial investigation is an important step in designing a good research project. It
is a shortened version of a final investigation that investigates less values or a
smaller range of the independent variable. It allowed me to identify flaws in my
methodology and items of equipment employed.
Tide times for 1/10/14 (trial method)
Time
Height/m
14:17:00

4.17

14:47:00

3.75

15:17:00

3.31

15:47:00

2.95

16:17:00

2.62

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16:39:00

2.20

1.

At 4.39pm (roughly low tide), go to Castle beach to carry out the experiment as
tide levels are low.
2. As the tide level is roughly 2.20m above chart datum at 4.40pm, measure
1.42m (since this is approximately where Beadlets were found while doing the
shore profile) above the tide level which is 3.62m above chart datum using a
metre rule and simple level (as shown below). A simple level is a wooden
block which is held next to the height at which you want to measure on the
metre ruler. To indicate whether the metre rule is vertical, a black arrow in the
middle of the simple level points vertically downwards .It allows us to keep
the metre rule straight while measuring the height.

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Figure 14 My peers showing how to use a simple level to measure height

above chart datum

3.

Use
a metre tape to create a line transect along this height as illustrated below:

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4.

Use a calculator to generate random numbers by pressing Shift and then

Ran# and then (12) as our measuring tape is 12m long. Once you have 15
randomly generated numbers, start your investigation.
Find the first randomly generated number on the metre tape and locate the
nearest Beadlet anemone to it.
Measure its diameter at three different places using a vernier calliper (see
how to use a vernier calliper above). Calculate the average to find the mean
diameter.
Locate the nearest Beadlet anemone and measure the distance between the
two using a metre rule.
Repeat the above steps for rest of the 14 randomly generated numbers to
collect 15 samples in total.

5.
6.

7.
8.

Results:
Sample
number

Diameter of Beadlet Anemone

1

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

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0.81
1.61
1.74
1.11
0.53
0.87
0.68
1.34
2.11
0.31
1.73
0.41
0.78
0.21
0.65

2
0.83
1.48
1.61
0.98
0.71
0.91
0.65
1.12
1.92
0.42
1.64
0.41
0.54
0.29
0.61

Average

3
0.90
1.66
1.65
1.11
0.52
0.85
0.65
1.31
1.98
0.36
1.71
0.49
0.79
0.24
0.75

0.85
1.58
1.67
1.07
1.76
0.88
0.66
1.26
2.00
0.36
1.69
1.31
0.70
0.25
0.67

Punya Kapoor

Average Diameter of Beadlet anemone

2.5

1.5
Average Diameter of Beadlet anemone

Diamter (in cm)

1

0.5

0
1

10

11

12

13

14

Sample number

Figure 15 Graph illustrating the variation in the diameters of Beadlet anemone in the
trial method

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE METHOD:

Conducting the pilot study allowed me to identify the key issues in my method.
I was unable to measure the distances between the beadlets using a ruler as
they were attached to curved surfaces of the rocks. So for my actual
investigation, I will be using a string and a metre ruler to measure the
distances.
I noticed how the microhabitat affected the diameter of the Beadlets. They
are smaller when out of water and this could be to retain water. It is important
to control the microhabitat in order to make the investigation more reliable.
Hence, I will be conducting the experiment on the anemones present on bare
rock only as it will be relatively easier to measure their diameter since their
tentacles are retracted.
I must ensure that I measure the diameters from the top of the beadlet
anemone to minimise any errors and be sure the axis of the part is
perpendicular to the calliper.

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Final Investigation:
1. At 7.20pm (low tide), go to Castle beach to carry out the experiment as tide
levels are low.
2. Record the abiotic factors before beginning the investigation.
3. As the tide level is roughly 2.80m above chart datum, measure 1.45m above
the tide level using metre rule and clinometer as shown below:

4. Use a metre tape to create a line transect on the height above as shown in
the trial method.
5. Select the first randomly generated position on the metre tape.
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6. Locate the nearest Beadlet anemone to it that is present on the rock. This
helps to reduce bias.

7. Use a calculator to generate random numbers by pressing Shift, Ran# and

then (12) as our measuring tape is 12m long. Once you have 15 randomly
generated numbers, start your investigation.
8. Find the first randomly generated number on the metre tape and locate the
nearest Beadlet anemone to
it.
9.
Measure its diameter at
three different places using
a vernier calliper. Calculate
the average to find the
mean diameter.
Figure 16 (27)

10.

Locate the nearest beadlet

anemone and measure the
distance between the two using a string. Then measure the string along a
metre rule.

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Figure 17 (28)

11.Figure 18 The distance between the two beadlet anemones is

Repeat the
above steps for
rest of the 14 randomly generated numbers to collect 15 samples in total.
12.Record the abiotic factors at the end of the investigation.
5.1cm.

Results:
Sample
number

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Diameter/cm

1
1.42
1.11
0.72
1.20
0.46
0.51
1.01
1.43
0.90
1.58
1.23
0.63
1.23
0.41
1.45

2
1.51
0.89
0.82
1.18
0.32
0.54
0.86
0.89
0.73
1.41
1.21
0.71
0.99
0.31
1.45

Spearmans Rank Test:

Sampl Diameter/
Ran
e
cm
k
numb
er
1
1.45
14
2
1.01
8
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3
1.43
1.04
0.84
0.99
0.34
0.96
1.03
1.55
0.81
1.56
1.31
0.67
1.11
0.30
1.36

Distance to
nearest
neighbour/
cm
46.5
36.3

Average
diameter/
cm

Distance to
nearest
neighbour/
cm

1.45
1.01
0.79
1.12
0.37
0.67
0.97
1.29
0.81
1.52
1.25
0.67
1.11
0.34
1.42

46.5
36.3
11.5
37.1
3.3
3.9
14.6
45.3
13.4
2.8
38.9
4.7
36.4
2.9
46.1

Ran
k

Differen
ce
(d)

Differenc
e2
(d2)

15
9

-1
-1

1
1

Punya Kapoor

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15=n

0.79
1.12
0.37
0.67
0.97
1.29
0.81
1.52
1.25
0.67
1.11
0.34
1.42

5
10
2
3.5
7
12
6
15
11
3.5
9
1
13

11.5
37.1
3.3
3.9
14.6
45.3
16.4
2.8
38.9
4.7
36.4
2.9
46.1

6
11
3
4
8
13
7
1
12
5
10
2
14

-1
-1
-1
-0.5
-1
-1
-1
14
-1
-1.5
-1
-1
-1
0

6( d2 )
r s =1
n( n21)

6 ( 210.5 )
15(2251)

1263
3360

10.38

= 0.62
Critical values of Spearmans rank correlation coefficient:
Significance level
0.1
0.05
0.02

0.01

Number of pairs of data

(n)
5

10%

5%

2%

0.9

0.82
9
0.71
4
0.64
3
0.6

0.886

0.943

0.786

0.893

0.929

0.738

0.833

0.881

0.683

0.783

0.833

0.56
4

0.648

0.746

0.794

7
8
9
10
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1%

1
1
1
0.25
1
1
1
196
1
2.25
1
1
1
210.5

Punya Kapoor
12

0.50
6
0.45
6
0.42
5
0.39
9
0.37
7
0.35
9
0.34
3
0.32
9
0.31
7
0.30
6

14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30

0.591

0.712

0.777

0.544

0.645

0.715

0.506

0.601

0.665

0.475

0.564

0.625

0.45

0.534

0.591

0.428

0.508

0.562

0.409

0.485

0.537

0.392

0.465

0.515

0.377

0.448

0.496

0.364

0.432

0.478

Figure 19

Diameter of Beadlet anemone

1.6
1.4
1.2
1

Diameter of Beadlet
anemone

0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Conclusion of the statistical test:

According to my Spearmans Rank test, the correlation coefficient i.e. the r s value
of 0.62 is greater than the critical value of 0.544 and is towards +1 at a
significance level of 0.05. Thus, I can reject my null hypothesis and there is a
statistically positive correlation between the diameter of beadlet anemone and
its distance to the nearest neighbour beadlet anemone.
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Punya Kapoor
My scatter graph also shows a positive correlation between the two variables
the distance between the beadlet anemones seem to increase when the
diameter increases.

Monitored Variables:
Abiotic factors
Temperature (C)
Light (Lux)
Wind speed (knots)

At the beginning of
the investigation
12.7
4030
0.4

At the end of the

investigation
16.7
6890
0.6

Conclusion:
My investigation results support my hypothesis. I have found that as the
diameter of beadlet anemones increases, their distance to the nearest beadlet
increases.
Beadlet anemone with an average diameter of 0.34cm had its nearest neighbour
at a distance of 2.9cm whereas the beadlet anemone with an average diameter
of 1.45cm was 46.5cm apart from its nearest neighbour. They had a diameter
difference of 1.11cm and the distance to their nearest anemone difference of
43.6cm. This is backed up by my Spearmans Rank Correlation test that
evaluated by results giving a positive correlation between the two variables.
Seeing that my rs value 0.62 was greater than the critical value 0.544 at
significance level of 0.05, I can reject my null hypothesis.
Figure 20 Beadlet anemone showing
aggression using acrorhagi (30).

Beadlet anemones are known to be

aggressive individuals, with a full arsenal of toxins at their disposal. Beadlets as
mentioned earlier are solitary polyps and hence are very territorial. They have
been seen, over days to nudge their rival anemones until one of them moves, by
slowly creeping along the floor. Bigger beadlet anemones are more aggressive
and compete against the other for space and food displaying a perfect example
of intra-specific competition (18). Although this is usually the case, the
aggressive nature of the tentacles has been shown to be under the control of the
same neural components. According to Marine Biology Progress Series, the intraspecific competition in these anemones is quite strong (76%) and they showed
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Punya Kapoor
great level of this nature. There is often a line around the adhesive base of the
anemones, and bright blue spots (known as acrorhagi) containing stinging cells
located at the top of the column (1). When they are submerged in water and
their tentacles come into contact, one stings the other with nematocysts, in the
acrorhagi, which leads to the other individual being forced away. As mentioned in
the rationale, the anemones may inflate and let the tides and currents take them
into a new location when the conditions become unfavourable e.g. when a
stronger anemone is nearby.
Initial tentacular contact is followed by the expansion and bending of the column,
acrorhagial inflation, overtopping of the opponent and application of the
acrorhagi to the column of the column of the adversary. Frequently, a peel of
acrorhagial tissue is then left behind causing localised necrosis of the column. It
has been suggested that the aggressive response is triggered by glycoprotein
recognition molecules on the tentacles (shown in figure 17)

Figure 21 Contest behaviour in Actinia equina. (a) Initial contact with the feeding
tentacles. The inflated acrorhagi(ia) of the individual on the left have not yet contacted
the opponent on the right. (b) Over topping. The individual on the left is stretching over
to bring its acrohagi into contact with the opponents column. (c) An acrorhagial attack.
The individual on the left has landed a blow on the opponent has partially detached
from the substrate, exposing part of the pedal disc. (d) Acrorhagial peels visible on the
epidermis of the opponents column. (11)

Due to their aggressive nature explained above, beadlet anemones prefer to stay
away from each other to survive and reduce intra-specific competition. Hence
why, this results in greater distances between anemones which are bigger in
size.
I also identified an anomaly which has been highlighted on my results table. With
a diameter of 1.52cm, this beadlet anemone was the largest one recorded in my
results table and the distance to its nearest beadlet anemone was just 2.8cm. It
was surrounded by a couple of small beadlets and the nearest beadlet was really
small (just like figure 19). They were possibly the anemones offspring produced
by budding. It was the largest one probably because it had recently brooded
offspring. According to a research report, in encounters between genetically
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Punya Kapoor
identical individuals (asexually brooded offspring) of Actinia equina, there was no
inflation of the acrorhagi or any other indication of aggression. Young anemones
are known to be brooded inside the
gastric cavity off an adult anemone,
and once ejected are known to settle
nearby and results in a clumped
distribution. The released mini adults
attach to a rock face immediately
around them. As they grow, they move
further apart (19). These solitary polyps
would possibly not want to breed with
other beadlets around considering their
aggressive nature, so they probably
22 (35) A large anemone
move further away during this process. Figure
surrounded by smaller anemones.
Some studies suggest that moving away might also risk further contact (and
perhaps conflict) with other anemones. This is why anemones generally moved
such short distances, often just out of tentacular contact with the aggressor (18).
Predation by the sea slugs (figure 20) and tompot blenny that are brought in by
the tides might have influenced the number of beadlet anemones on the shore
and hence the distance between them on the rocks. Greater the predation, lesser
the number of beadlet anemones and so, larger the distances between them. A
study suggests that sites with no anemones yields considerably higher
Figure 23 Sea slug feeding on a beadlet
concentrations of encrusting coralline
anemone (34).
algae, as well as more barnacles,
suggesting a competition for space between A. equina and these species. This
means that the barnacles and coralline
algae also affect the distribution pattern
and abundance of the beadlet
anemones.
Abiotic factors such as light intensity
had little effect on my investigation. For
example, there is no correlation
between light exposure and A. equina
density. This suggests that their lack of
evasion to sun exposure is attributed to
their evolutionary advances aiding their
resistance to desiccation due to heat and light exposure (20).
As the climate will change, the height of the tides will rise, increasing the sea
level. The substrate may get affected as the rocks may break down and this may
affect the ability of the beadlet anemone to attach itself to the rocks. This may
lead to increase in the distances between the organisms causing changes to the
results if the investigation were to be carried out in the future.

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Evaluation:
Although my results and Spearmans rank test support my biological hypothesis,
there are certain limitations to my method that I would want to improve on if I
get a chance to do it again. There are certain factors that I would implement into
further investigation too.
The age of the beadlet anemone were not taken into consideration. This couldve
also led to varied diameters and distances. An older anemone would have a
greater diameter.
Firstly only 15 samples of beadlet anemone were collected. Collecting about 25
samples wouldve probably given me a different correlation coefficient and
wouldve improved the accuracy of my results. Also, a digital vernier caliper of a
greater precision could be used to measure the diameters of the beadlet
anemones.
Whilst measuring the height above the shore, the line transect was created on
top of the rocks making the height somewhat inconsistent affecting our
controlled variable. For any future investigations, I would put the tape around the
rocks and not just over them to make the height more regular and fixed. Also
instead of pointing to the height when looking through the grove, a laser optical
level could be used to point to the height on the rocks when measuring the
height above the tide level making the height measurement more exact reducing
human errors in the process. The laser optical level would be placed on a tripod
stand so that you dont have to hold it in the hand.

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Punya Kapoor

Figure 24 A diagram illustrating how to measure the height above a certain point
using an optical level on a tripod stand (21).

Also, some beadlet anemones were higher than wider. So, their height can also
been taken into consideration when measuring their sizes for future
investigations.
Further investigation could involve carrying out the experiment on the beadlet
anemones found in rock-pools to check if the hypothesis holds true for both
microhabitats. Also, a comparison between the diameters of the beadlet
anemones in both microhabitats could be drawn. Future research can be done to
also determine what their optimal habitat conditions are, and whether or not
they actually compete with or are affected by other sedentary species.
The investigation couldve been carried out on two different heights on the shore.
As at a greater height, there is lesser wave action and so the anemones undergo
greater desiccation stress. This may affect their ability to grow resulting in
negative growth and hence, in smaller diameter. In my further investigations, I
would want to see how the substrate might affect the distance between the
beadlets as this variable couldnt be controlled completely to reduce bias in the
observation.

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Source Evaluation:
I chose a variety of sources to aid my investigation and have evaluated some of
them below:

My initial interest in beadlet anemone was triggered by the information

present about it on WIKIPEDIA. The way the whole page gives an overview of
the anatomy, behaviour and reproduction of the organism is very easy to

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Punya Kapoor
comprehend. However, its own disclaimer states, information on Wikipedia is
contributed by anyone who wants to post material, and the expertise of the
posters is not taken into consideration. Some information on Wikipedia may
well be accurate, but because experts do not review the site's entries, there is
a considerable risk in relying on this source for your essays. After reading up
about beadlet anemone, I cross-checked the information with cited websites
and it was all correct. So, it does have references cited at the bottom of the
page and you can always look through them and Wikipedia can be used as a
source to find relevant references. Nonetheless, it is not a reliable source.

Olwen Ager 2008. Actinia equina. Beadlet anemone. Marine Life Information
Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]
Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=2359 is a source
that I used to describe the identifying features and behavior of the organism.
'The Marine Life Information Network - MarLIN is an initiative of the Marine
Biological Association of the UK (MBA). In the last ten years, it has become
the most comprehensive source of information on the marine biodiversity of
the North East Atlantic. The data gathered from the MarLIN programme is
transferred to a national marine data archive called Data Archive for Seabed
species and Habitats. Olwen Ager is a member of the MarLIN and has written
all the key information. The information has been cross referenced with
http://www.theseashore.org.uk/theseashore/SpeciesPages/Beadlet%20in
%20pool.jpg.html. This is the Field Studies Council web page. Established in
1943, the FSC has become internationally respected for its national network
of 17 education centres, international outreach training projects, research
programs and information and publication services. This enhances the
sources credibility. However, it only provides basic information about the
organism and lacks depth and justifies the use of more sources for the
project.

http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/species/Beadlet+anemone/ was used to

describe the aggressive nature of the anemones. It has been a registered
charity since 1962. It is a member of The Wildlife Trusts partnership, a
nationwide network dedicated to the achievement of Living Seas and a Living
Landscape in the UK. The Devon Wildlife Trust has around 35,000 members
and 40 nature reserves throughout the county. So its publications and articles
range from magazines through leaflets to e-newsletters and address
audiences that include the general public. They are written by experts and
are regularly updated making it a good source for my research.

Aggression as a function of genetic relatedness in the sea anemone Actinia

equina (Anthozoa: Actiniaria) is an article in the journal MARINE ECOLOGY
PROGRESS SERIES (MEPS) helped me to learn about the inter-specific and
intra-specific nature of beadlet anemones. MEPS have been well established
since 1979 and quote themselves as the leading journal in their field. All the
publications are peer reviewed which means the findings in this article are

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Punya Kapoor
also evaluated and verified by independent experts within the same field of
research to ensure that they are at their best quality before being available to
the wider community. The review process is meticulous and dispassionate
(since the reviewers don't know whose manuscript they're reading, they can't
play favourites).The article has also been cited by other researchers in their
reports such as Familial strife on the seashore: Aggression increases with
relatedness in the sea anemone Actinia equina; Behavioural Processes,
Fighting prowess and changes in startle response in the sea anemone, Actinia
equina, etc. It is compulsory for the Authors, Reviewers and Editors to
disclose relationships (e.g. financial, economic, institutional etc.) that may
affect the integrity of the scientific process reducing any bias. All these
factors make this source very credible and very valuable for my report.

The middle shore (exposed shores), Field Studies Council

http://www.theseashore.org.uk/theseashore/Exposed%20rocky%20shore
%20middle%20shore.html is a FSC page. They offer a range of publications
that relate to the seashore environment. The content is produced by the Dale
Fort Field Centre where we carried out investigations. It is a recognised site
providing information on field studies written by professionals and so is used
by students around the UK. This means that the website has updated
information and is quite reliable. It has also got a FAQ section where you can
ask them questions regarding the information on the website and beyond.
However, none of the information is referenced and there is no information
about the authors of the articles. This source wouldve been more reliable if
expertise of the authors were provided.

PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION OF ACTINIA EQUINA BASED ON ABIOTIC AND

BIOTIC FACTORS IN STARESO HARBOR AND SURROUNDING CAVES was a
report that was very useful in supporting my results and explanations. The
authors have acknowledged results that did not support their hypothesis
providing a very balanced discussion. The myriad of charts and graphs
provided to support the results are very easy to follow. Their result relating
the Patterns of A. Equina distribution are similar to the results of my
investigation which enhances the dependability of my results. This report has
by far been the most helpful source in aiding my discussion of the
investigation.

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