In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine 45.1 (2002) 140


[Access article in PDF]

Barnacles

Thomas Peter Bennett

On water-splashed rocks
wait for food to wash past.

Hinged plates
hermetically closed
when exposed at low tide
open at wave splashes.

Miniature casting nets,
feathery barbed legs,
capture plankton,
absorb oxygen.

Sated by the meal,
the barnacle closes
its protective plates.


 

...

pdf

Share