Changes in invertebrate assemblages inhabiting Lessonia spicata (Phaeophyceae) holdfasts after the 2010 earthquake-mediated coastal uplift in Chile

Abstract

Changes in invertebrate assemblages inhabitingAbstract.-On February 27th 2010, a mega-earthquake struck Chile causing coastal coseismic uplift. In this study we compared the invertebrate fauna from uplifted (UH) and non-uplifted (NH) Lessonia spicata kelp holdfasts. Multivariate analysis of the assemblage structure revealed different faunal composition between holdfasts, the anemone Phymactis clematis and the mussel Perumytilus purpuratus displayed the highest contribution to these differences, being most abundant in UH. A preference to inhabit in UH is most likely to be related to food availability and capacity to thrive with high salinity and desiccation, while NH became habitat for a rare primary ecological succession. The present study helps to understand ecological implications of such rare events.

Disentangling the links between habitat complexity and biodiversity in a kelp‐dominated subantarctic community

“…In line with our results, kelp holdfasts have been previously defined as "micro‐ecosystems" (sensu Ortega et al., 2014) that can be used as indicators of kelp forest ecological health (Teagle et al., 2017; Vásquez et al., 2012; Vega, 2016; Villegas et al., 2008). The holdfast structure offers protection from predators and adverse environmental conditions, accumulates food sources, and increases the area and volume of habitable space for colonization (e.g., Christie et al., 2003; Tuya et al., 2011; Vásquez & Santelices, 1984).…”

Coastal pollution from the industrial park Quintero bay of central Chile: Effects on abundance, morphology, and development of the kelp Lessonia spicata (Phaeophyceae)

“…This kelp facilitates the recruitment of algae and invertebrates and provides habitat and shelter for several associated species in its holdfast and blades, modulating local biodiversity and community structure [38]. In addition, intertidal beds of L. spicata are an important commercial resource exploited by seaweed-based industries for alginate, and animal consumption [39,40]. Based on this previous knowledge, we formulated two hypotheses: (i) L. spicata populations chronically exposed to seawater from polluted sites that are closer to QB would be more affected in terms of abundance and morphometric features than more distant kelps populations, and (ii) the in vitro exposure of L. spicata to seawater from polluted sites closer to QB would have a higher negative effects on spore release and early developmental stages than the exposure to seawater from more distant sites.…”

“…In addition, intertidal beds of L . spicata are an important commercial resource exploited by seaweed-based industries for alginate, and animal consumption [ 39 , 40 ]. Based on this previous knowledge, we formulated two hypotheses: (i) L .…”

Enzymatic antioxidant defences are transcriptionally regulated in Es524, a copper-tolerant strain of Ectocarpus siliculosus (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae)

“…Brown seaweeds are important primary producers and form the basis of trophic food chains in coastal rocky shores of temperate latitudes (Smith 1996;Ortega et al 2014); therefore, any impact not only has implications on them but also can compromise the health of populations, communities and ecosystems as a whole (Sa´ez et al 2012a, b). Within certain brown algae, such as Fucus serratus Linnaeus and Ectocarpus siliculosus (Dillwyn) Lyngbye, populations can develop tolerance to elevated Cu concentrations, allowing them to thrive in Cu-polluted environments (Nielsen et al 2003b;Roncarati et al 2015;Sa´ez et al 2015a, b).…”