Metazoan community structure in relation to the fractal dimensions of marine macroalgae

Gee, J. M.; Warwick, R.M.

doi:10.3354/meps103141

Cited by 199 publications

(157 citation statements)

References 12 publications

(14 reference statements)

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“…For phytal assemblages, several studies indicated that an increase in habitat complexity allows for a linear increase in harpacticoid species number and diversity (Hicks, 1980;Gee & Warwick, 1994;Ó lafsson et al, 2001;Jenkins et al, 2002). Greater habitable space, increased nutritional resources and reduced levels of predation contribute to this relationship.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Community structure and microhabitat preferences of harpacticoid copepods in a tropical reef lagoon (Zanzibar Island, Tanzania)

et al. 2008

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Three microhabitat types (dead coral fragments, coral gravel and coral sand) were distinguished and sampled at two locations (Matemwe and Makunduchi) in a tropical lagoon (Zanzibar Island, Tanzania), and the community structure, habitat preferences and biodiversity of the associated harpacticoid copepod fauna was investigated. The harpacticoid fauna is affected by sediment granulometry and by the structural differences between coral and both gravel and sediment. The coral fragments contained a specific assemblage composed of typical 'phytal' taxa (Tisbe, Paradactylopodia and Dactylopusia) along with other eurytopic and sediment-dwelling forms (Ameira, Ectinosoma and Amphiascus), which may be attracted by the sediment retained between the coral branches. The assemblages of coral gravel and upper sediment layer did not differ significantly from each other and had mostly the same dominant genera. The sediment from Matemwe was dominated by the interstitial Paramesochridae and the sediment from Makunduchi by Tetragonicipitidae. The coral fragments from Makunduchi sustained a more diverse assemblage than gravel and the different sediment layers. It was assumed that coral form and complexity, with implications for habitable space, nutritional resources and level of predation, are important in structuring diversity of the associated assemblage.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Community structure and microhabitat preferences of harpacticoid copepods in a tropical reef lagoon (Zanzibar Island, Tanzania)

et al. 2008

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“…In particular, epifaunal assemblages are very influenced by marine macroalgae that exist on the coast, because many invertebrates use macroalgae as a refuge from physical stress, protection from predators, and many of them are herbivores that consume epiphytic algae or the host plant itself (Duffy 1990;Bell 1991;Viejo 1999). There is evidence that different macrophytes support different assemblages of mobile epifauna (Cacabelos et al 2010 and references therein), and this may be due to several biological factors such as life cycles, algal structure (sensu McCoy and Bell 1991;Gee and Warwick 1994), presence of algal epiphytes (Dawes et al 2000), habitat complexity (Buschbaum et al 2006;Schreider et al 2003), chemical defences (Steinberg et al 1998), or physical factors (e.g., wave exposure or tidal height) (Chemello and Milazzo 2002;Schreider et al 2003). Behavioral choices of animals may also account for patterns of distribution, with larger abundance of species in their preferred host habitats (Chapman 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of macroalgal identity on epifaunal assemblages: native species versus the invasive species Sargassum muticum

2011

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Seaweeds are a refuge from stressful conditions associated with life on rocky intertidal shores, and there is evidence that different macrophytes support different assemblages of mobile epifauna. Introduction of nonindigenous macroalgae may have a great impact on associated epifaunal assemblages and ecosystem processes in coastal areas. Previous studies have reported conflicting evidences for the ability of epifauna to colonize nonindigenous species. Here, we analyzed epifaunal assemblages associated with three species of macroalgae that are very abundant on intertidal shores along the Galician coast: the two native species Bifurcaria bifurcata and Saccorhiza polyschides and the invasive species Sargassum muticum. We collected samples of each species from three different sites at three different times to test whether variability of epifaunal assemblages was consistent over space and time. Epifaunal assemblages differed between the three macroalgae. Results suggested that stability and morphology of habitat played an important role in shaping the structure of epifaunal assemblages. This study also showed that the invasive S. muticum offered a suitable habitat for many invertebrates.

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“…It is argued that complex macroalgae (such as Sargassum spp.) encourage a more abundant and well-diversified associated invertebrate fauna than simple and flat-thalloid algae (Heck and Orth, 1980;Gunnill, 1982;Edgar, 1983aEdgar, , 1983bEdgar, , 1983cGibbons, 1988;Gee and Warwick, 1994;Warfe and Barmuta, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Owing to refuge and shelter effects, some fragile species may actively select their host on the basis of its architecture instead of direct feeding preferences, taking into consideration that, generally, fauna do not feed on the hostplant tissues (Gee and Warwick, 1994).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitat Selection Among Fishes and Shrimp in the Pelagic Sargassum Community: The Role of Habitat Architecture

Bennice

Brooks

2016

goms

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The pelagic Sargassum community represents an excellent model system to advance our understanding of how a complex habitat can influence biotic interactions. This study examined the habitat architecture of pelagic Sargassum fluitans to determine its effects on habitat selection for one shrimp species (Leander tenuicornis) and two fish species (Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio). Specifically, we manipulated interthallus spacing and depth of Sargassum habitats independently (i.e., in separate experimental trials) to test whether spatial components of habitat architecture influence habitat selection by these animal inhabitants. Additionally, two differing habitats (Sargassum vs intermingled seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme) were tested to determine whether structural components of habitat architecture influenced habitat selection. Results showed no significant effect of habitat selections for interthallus spacing experiments for L. tenuicornis and S. hispidus. However, H. histrio selected habitats with medium interthallus spacing characteristics in two experiments. All three animals selected habitats with a greater depth aspect. Finally, L. tenuicornis and H. histrio selected habitats with greater structural complexity (i.e., Sargassum habitat). These results demonstrate that habitat architecture (i.e., spatial and structural components) of Sargassum influences habitat selection by the aforementioned fauna and further illustrate that this pelagic macroalga is an essential habitat for multiple species.

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Metazoan community structure in relation to the fractal dimensions of marine macroalgae

Cited by 199 publications

References 12 publications

Community structure and microhabitat preferences of harpacticoid copepods in a tropical reef lagoon (Zanzibar Island, Tanzania)

Community structure and microhabitat preferences of harpacticoid copepods in a tropical reef lagoon (Zanzibar Island, Tanzania)

Effects of macroalgal identity on epifaunal assemblages: native species versus the invasive species Sargassum muticum

Habitat Selection Among Fishes and Shrimp in the Pelagic Sargassum Community: The Role of Habitat Architecture

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