Diversity and depth-related patterns of mobile invertebrates associated with kelp forests

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda A. Coleman ◽  
Elaine Vytopil ◽  
Paris J. Goodsell ◽  
Bronwyn M. Gillanders ◽  
Sean D. Connell
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Marine Ecology ◽  
Kelp Forests ◽  
Invertebrate Fauna ◽  
Related Variation ◽  
Deep Waters ◽  
Invertebrate Assemblages ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Kelp Holdfasts ◽  
Broad Scale

It is remarkable that although the importance of depth is firmly rooted in the discipline of marine ecology, so little is understood about depth-related patterns of invertebrates in kelp forests, particularly in temperate Australia. We tested for the existence of broad scale patterns in depth-related diversity and abundance of mobile invertebrates in kelp holdfasts (Ecklonia radiata) across several spatial scales along 500 km of coastline. There was a greater abundance and richness of common taxa in holdfasts from shallow relative to deep waters. Strikingly, a disproportionately large percentage (60%) of species was unique to holdfasts from shallow reefs, suggesting that shallow environments create conditions that facilitate a rich biodiversity of invertebrate fauna. We conclude that depth-related variation in kelp forests may not be completely idiosyncratic, and coherent research programs of a broader scale and scope may unify subsets of fragmented knowledge that previously provided little insight into general depth-related patterns of invertebrate assemblages.

scholarly journals Complex community responses underpin biodiversity change following invasion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra R. Kortz ◽  
Anne E. Magurran
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Mechanistic Approach ◽  
Α Diversity ◽  
Biodiversity Change ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractHow do invasive species change native biodiversity? One reason why this long-standing question remains challenging to answer could be because the main focus of the invasion literature has been on shifts in species richness (a measure of α-diversity). As the underlying components of community structure—intraspecific aggregation, interspecific density and the species abundance distribution (SAD)—are potentially impacted in different ways during invasion, trends in species richness provide only limited insight into the mechanisms leading to biodiversity change. In addition, these impacts can be manifested in distinct ways at different spatial scales. Here we take advantage of the new Measurement of Biodiversity (MoB) framework to reanalyse data collected in an invasion front in the Brazilian Cerrado biodiversity hotspot. We show that, by using the MoB multi-scale approach, we are able to link reductions in species richness in invaded sites to restructuring in the SAD. This restructuring takes the form of lower evenness in sites invaded by pines relative to sites without pines. Shifts in aggregation also occur. There is a clear signature of spatial scale in biodiversity change linked to the presence of an invasive species. These results demonstrate how the MoB approach can play an important role in helping invasion ecologists, field biologists and conservation managers move towards a more mechanistic approach to detecting and interpreting changes in ecological systems following invasion.

scholarly journals Human-induced reductions in fish predator boldness decrease their predation rates in kelp forests

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1900) ◽  
pp. 20182745 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Kennedy Rhoades ◽  
Steve I. Lonhart ◽  
John J. Stachowicz
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Predatory Fish ◽  
Kelp Forests ◽  
Fish Predator ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Predatory Fishes ◽  
Predation Rates

Humans have restructured food webs and ecosystems by depleting biomass, reducing size structure and altering traits of consumers. However, few studies have examined the ecological impacts of human-induced trait changes across large spatial and temporal scales and species assemblages. We compared behavioural traits and predation rates by predatory fishes on standard squid prey in protected areas of different protection levels and ages, and found that predation rates were 6.5 times greater at old, no-take (greater than 40 years) relative to new, predominantly partial-take areas (approx. 8 years), even accounting for differences in predatory fish abundance, body size and composition across sites. Individual fishes in old protected areas consumed prey at nearly twice the rate of fishes of the same species and size at new protected areas. Predatory fish exhibited on average 50% longer flight initiation distance and lower willingness to forage at new protected areas, which partially explains lower foraging rates at new relative to old protected areas. Our experiments demonstrate that humans can effect changes in functionally important behavioural traits of predator guilds at large (30 km) spatial scales within managed areas, which require protection for multiple generations of predators to recover bold phenotypes and predation rates, even as abundance rebounds.

scholarly journals Application of a Negative Multinomial Model Gives Insight into Rarity-Area Relationships

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 571
Author(s):  
Youhua Chen ◽  
Yongbin Wu ◽  
Weihua Chen ◽  
Tian Zhao ◽  
Wenyan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Poisson Distribution ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Multinomial Distribution ◽  
Barro Colorado Island ◽  
Field Sampling ◽  
Local Sample ◽  
Negative Multinomial Distribution ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Insight Into

The distribution of individuals of different species across different sampling units is typically non-random. This distributional non-independence can be interpreted and modelled as a correlated multivariate distribution. However, this correlation cannot be modelled using a totally independent and random distribution such as the Poisson distribution. In this study, we utilized the negative multinomial distribution to overcome the problem encountered by the commonly used Poisson distribution and used it to derive insight into the implications of field sampling for rare species’ distributions. Mathematically, we derived, from the negative multinomial distribution and sampling theory, contrasting relationships between sampling area, and the proportions of locally rare and regionally rare species in ecological assemblages presenting multi-species correlated distribution. With the suggested model, we explored the cross-scale relationships between the spatial extent, the population threshold for defining the rarity of species, and the multi-species correlated distribution pattern using data from two 50-ha tropical forest plots in Barro Colorado Island (Panama) and Heishiding Provincial Reserve (Guangdong Province, China). Notably, unseen species (species with zero abundance in the studied local sample) positively contributed to the distributional non-independence of species in a local sample. We empirically confirmed these findings using the plot data. These findings can help predict rare species–area relationships at various spatial scales, potentially informing biodiversity conservation and development of optimal field sampling strategies.

Summer vertical distribution of appendicularians in the central Cantabrian Sea (Bay of Biscay)

1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 585-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luis Acuña
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Bay Of Biscay ◽  
Oikopleura Dioica ◽  
Size Spectra ◽  
Deep Waters ◽  
Deep Layers ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
Filter Clogging

The summer vertical distribution of appendicularian species was analysed at 22 stations in the central Cantabrian Sea by means of vertical tows covering the surface, thermocline and deep layers. According to their preference for shallower waters, the appendicularian species could be arranged on the series Oikopleura longicauda (Vogt), Oikopleura fusiformis (Fol), Fritillaria pellucida (Quoy & Gaimard) and Oikopleura rufescens (Fol), with Oikopleura dioica (Miiller) in an uncertain position, probably closer to the end of this series. Principal components and correlation analyses suggest that a temperature gradient causes this pattern, which agrees with previous findings made at very different temporal and spatial scales. By means of particle-size spectra, it is shown that those oikopleurids that prefer cold, deep waters, O. fusiformis and O. rufescens, co-vary with a coefficient of particle-size quality. The lower the temperature, the lower the proportion of small, ingestible particles to large inlet-filter-clogging particles. This is proposed as an important reason for the presence of inlet filters in oikopleurids.

scholarly journals The macroecology of rapid evolutionary radiation

2011 ◽  
Vol 278 (1717) ◽  
pp. 2486-2494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas F. Parnell ◽  
J. Todd Streelman
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Radiation ◽  
Species Interactions ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Ecological Communities ◽  
Core Set ◽  
Evolutionary Radiation ◽  
Local Species ◽  
Entire Lake ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Occurrence Of Species

A long-standing debate in ecology addresses whether community composition is the result of stochastic factors or assembly rules. Non-random, over-dispersed patterns of species co-occurrence have commonly been attributed to competition—a particularly important force in adaptive radiation. We thus examined the macroecology of the recently radiated cichlid rock-fish assemblage in Lake Malawi, Africa at a spectrum of increasingly fine spatial scales (entire lake to depth within rock-reef sites). Along this range of spatial scales, we observed a signal of community structure (decreased co-occurrence of species) at the largest and smallest scales, but not in between. Evidence suggests that the lakewide signature of structure is driven by extreme endemism and micro-allopatric speciation, while patterns of reduced co-occurrence with depth are indicative of species interactions. We identified a ‘core’ set of rock-reef species, found in combination throughout the lake, whose depth profiles exhibited replicated positive and negative correlation. Our results provide insight into how ecological communities may be structured differently at distinct spatial scales, re-emphasize the importance of local species interactions in community assembly, and further elucidate the processes shaping speciation in this model adaptive radiation.

scholarly journals Invertebrates in contemporary coniferous resins – an insight into the ecosystem?

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-134
Author(s):  
Natalia KASZYCA ◽  
◽  
Angelina KUBUSIAK ◽  
Bartosz BARAN ◽  
Arkadiusz IMIELA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Picea Abies ◽  
Pinus Sylvestris ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Ethanol Solution ◽  
Invertebrate Fauna ◽  
Southern Poland ◽  
The World ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Insight Into

A study aiming at the description of invertebrate fauna trapped in contemporary, coniferous resins was undertaken in a mixed forest of Central Europe (Southern Poland). Resins were collected predominately from spruce (Picea abies), but also from pine (Pinus sylvestris) and larch (Larix decidua), the cadavers were extracted from the ethanol solution of resin. As many as 394 specimens were extracted, consisting mainly of insects, but also arachnids, crustaceans and single mollusc were found. Among the collected specimens, some were identified to species, and a few mutual, ecological interrelationships could be traced. Although the amount of collected resins is far from being comparable with the amount of particular types of amber studied in the world so far, the Discussion focuses on similarities and differences in insect inclusions composition in resins and known amber collections.

scholarly journals The interplay between habitat structure and chemical contaminants on biotic responses of benthic organisms

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Mayer Pinto ◽  
Miguel G Matias ◽  
Ross A Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Structure ◽  
Multiple Stressors ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Benthic Organisms ◽  
Chemical Contaminants ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Management And Conservation ◽  
Insight Into

Habitat structure influences the diversity and distribution of organisms, potentially affecting their response to disturbances by either affecting their ‘susceptibility’ or through the provision of resources that can mitigate impacts of disturbances. Chemical disturbances due to contamination are associated with decreases in diversity and functioning of systems and are also likely to increase due to coastal urbanisation. Understanding how habitat structure interacts with contaminants is essential to predict and therefore manage such effects, minimising their consequences to marine systems. Here, we manipulated two structurally different habitats and exposed them to different types of contaminants. Effects of contamination and habitat structure interacted, affecting species richness. More complex experimental habitats were colonized by a greater diversity of organisms than the less complex habitats. These differences disappeared, however, when habitats were exposed to contaminants, suggesting that contaminants can override effects of habitats structure at small spatial scales. These results provide insight into the complex ways that habitat structure and contamination interact and the need to incorporate evidence of biotic responses from individual disturbances to multiple stressors. Such effects need to be taken into account when designing and planning management and conservation strategies to natural systems.

scholarly journals Influence of Seascape on Coastal Lagoon Fisheries: the Role of Habitat Mosaic in the Venice Lagoon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Scapin ◽  
Matteo Zucchetta ◽  
Fabio Pranovi ◽  
Piero Franzoi
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Coastal Lagoons ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Venice Lagoon ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Artisanal Fishery ◽  
Sediment Grain Size ◽  
Northern Adriatic ◽  
Broad Scale

AbstractFisheries are a staple human activity supported by coastal lagoons. Together with water quality and trophic status, lagoon morphology is acknowledged as one of the main ecological drivers of fishery yields; however, the role of lagoon seascape structure is still poorly understood. This paper investigates how morphological variables, habitat distribution and seascape diversity and complexity affect yields of artisanal fishery performed with fyke nets in the Venice Lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy). Two spatial scales were considered in the analysis, with water quality parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, water residence times, N, P and chlorophyll-a concentrations) being measured at a fine, fyke-net scale and morphological (average bottom elevation and sediment grain size) and habitat features (habitat proportion, diversity and complexity) being measured at a broader, seascape scale. Generalised linear mixed models were employed to model 8 years of nekton and green crab catches, disentangling the role of broad-scale morphology and seascape from that of fine-scale water quality. Broad-scale variables clearly influenced fishery target species. Among them, lagoon residents were associated with specific morphological and habitat characteristics, while marine migrants showed a stronger link with overall habitat diversity and complexity. This evidence emphasises how artisanal fishery in the Venice Lagoon relies on the conservation of morphological and habitat heterogeneity. Moreover, it highlights how habitat restoration performed at the seascape level should also be taken into account, in addition to controlling hydrology and water quality, when managing fishery resources in coastal lagoons.

scholarly journals Broad-scale spatial patterns of canopy cover and pond morphology affect the structure of a Neotropical amphibian metacommunity

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo B. Provete ◽  
Thiago Gonçalves-Souza ◽  
Michel Garey ◽  
Itamar A. Martins ◽  
Denise Rossa-Feres
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Larval Anurans ◽  
Metacommunity Structure ◽  
Broad Scale

Spatial and environmental processes influence species composition at distinct scales. Previous studies suggested that the landscape-scale distribution of larval anurans is influenced by environmental gradients related to adult breeding site selection, such as pond canopy cover, but not water chemistry. However, the combined effects of spatial, pond morphology, and water chemistry variables on metacommunity structure of larval anurans have not been analyzed. We used a partial redundancy analysis with variation partitioning to analyze the relative influence of pond morphology (e.g., depth, area, and aquatic vegetation), water chemistry, and spatial variables on a tadpole metacommunity from southeastern Brazil. We predict that the metacommunity will be spatially structured at broad spatial scales, while environmental variables, mainly related to adult habitat selection, would play a larger role at fine spatial scales. We found that broad-scale spatial patterns of pond canopy cover and pond morphology strongly influenced metacommunity structure. Additionally, species composition was spatially autocorrelated at short distances. We suggest that the reproductive behavior of adult anurans is driving tadpole metacommunity dynamics, since pond morphology, but not water chemistry affects breeding site selection by adults. Our results contribute to the understanding of amphibian species diversity in tropical environments.

scholarly journals Key Principles for Managing Recovery of Kelp Forests through Restoration

BioScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 688-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L Morris ◽  
Robin Hale ◽  
Elisabeth M A Strain ◽  
Simon E Reeves ◽  
Adriana Vergés ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Kelp Forests ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Scant Attention

Abstract There is increasing interest in mitigating the loss of kelp forests through restoration, but this has received scant attention relative to other coastal habitats. We evaluate current knowledge centered on key restoration principles to provide guidelines for best practice in kelp restoration. The cause and scale of degradation is fundamental in determining if kelp can be restored and the methods required to promote reestablishment. Removal of stressors may be adequate to achieve restoration goals where degradation is not too widespread or acute. Extensive losses of kelp forests will often require active reseeding of areas because of the low dispersal ability of many kelp species. Restoration efforts have generally taken a trial-and-error approach at experimental scales to develop techniques for establishing individuals. Furthermore, studies that inform cost–benefit analysis and the appropriate spatial scales for restoration of sustainable kelp forests are urgently needed for prioritizing and scaling up restoration efforts globally.

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