Comment on "Predator classification by the sea penPtilosarcus gurneyi(Cnidaria): role of waterborne chemical cues and physical contact with predatory sea stars"

Abstract

In their study of behavioural responses of pennatulaceans to physical contact with asteroids in 2002, Weightman and Arsenault claim to be the first to demonstrate that cnidarians have the ability to distinguish predators from nonpredators. In fact, it has been known since at least the 1960s that cnidarians are capable of predator recognition. We briefly describe some of the abundant literature on this topic, especially studies on anthozoans.Résumé : Dans leur étude des comportements des pennatulacés en réaction à des contacts physiques avec des astéroï-des dans 2002, Weightman et Arsenault prétendent être les premiers à démontrer que les cnidaires sont capables de distinguer les prédateurs des organismes non prédateurs. En fait déjà dans les années 1960, et même avant, on savait les cnidaires capables de reconnaître des prédateurs. Nous décrivons brièvement une partie de l'abondante littérature disponible sur ce sujet, particulièrement les études portant sur les anthozoaires.[Traduit par la Rédaction] Dalby and Elliott 558

Reply to the comment by Dalby and Elliott on "Predator classification by the sea pen Ptilosarcus gurneyi (Cnidaria): role of waterborne chemical cues and physical contact with predatory sea stars"

“…Although we do not agree with all their statements, we nonetheless thank Dalby and Elliott (2003) for bringing this to our attention, as, clearly, one of the statements made in our research note was incorrect. We would have preferred that Dalby and Elliott contact us directly with this information, as we would then have prompted the Editors to publish an erratum to correct this unfortunate statement.…”

“…The following is a reply to the comment by Dalby and Elliott (2003) regarding a research note we recently published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology (Weightman and Arsenault 2002). Our study examined the behavioural responses (degree of contraction into the sediment and bioluminescent displays) of the sea pen Ptilosarcus gurneyi to sea stars representing different degrees of predation threat.…”

“…This raises an important question that should be of concern to all researchers: How confident are you that your research articles are being found by peers performing database literature searches? Dalby and Elliott (2003) contend that we overlooked key information in at least two of the papers we cited (Yentsch and Pierce 1955;Mauzey et al 1968). Again, we believe this to be an incorrect allegation.…”