Morphological insights into the three-dimensional complexity of rhodolith beds
Andrea Cabrito,
Silvia de Juan,
Hilmar Hinz
et al.
Abstract:The ecological importance of rhodolith beds stems from their role as structurally complex three-dimensional habitat formed by free-living red calcareous algae. Their structural singularity is due to the great variety of complex and branching morphologies exhibited by rhodoliths that create interstitial spaces and increase their surface area. This increases the ecological niches for cryptofauna and provide refuge for a high number of organisms, which is why rhodolith beds are considered biodiversity hotspots. I… Show more
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