Geology is a significant indicator of algal cover and invertebrate species composition on intertidal reefs of Ngari Capes Marine Park, south-western Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 270 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Bessey ◽  
M. J. Rule ◽  
M. Dasey ◽  
A. Brearley ◽  
J. M. Huisman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Bare Rock ◽  
Marine Park ◽  
Invertebrate Biodiversity ◽  
Invertebrate Composition ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Effective management of rocky intertidal reefs requires an understanding of spatial variation in species composition and abundance, and the identification of high biodiversity areas. This study identified patterns of invertebrate biodiversity on intertidal reefs of differing underlying structure within Ngari Capes Marine Park, south-west Western Australia. Intertidal reef surveys were conducted at 12 limestone and 9 granite sites throughout the park. Geology was a significant indicator of variation in percentage cover of substrate and invertebrate composition, which covaried with rugosity and complexity. Limestone reefs were characterised by a combination of high and low branching algae and a sand–turf matrix, whereas granite reefs consisted of bare rock. A total of 15772 individual invertebrates representing 10 phyla, 16 classes, 60 families and 121 species was recorded. A high abundance of dove (Family Columbellidae) and jewel top snails (Family Trochidae) characterised limestone reefs, whereas an assortment of limpets and chitons characterised granite reefs. Granite reefs contained more species (92v. 63) and a higher mean (±s.d.) number of individuals (119±58v. 42±79m–2) than did limestone reefs. These findings emphasise the effect of underlying geology on the distribution of intertidal invertebrates and the need for management programs to accommodate different habitat types to effectively conserve biodiversity.

Guides for Estimating Forest Stand Losses to Gypsy Moth

1984 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Gansner ◽  
Owen W. Herrick
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Gypsy Moth ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Forest Stand ◽  
Measure Data ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Field Plot ◽  
Crown Condition ◽  
As Species

Abstract People who have to make decisions about cost-effective management for gypsy moth need help in predicting and evaluating its effects. Field plot data collected during recent outbreaks in Pennsylvania are being used to develop guides for predicting forest stand losses to the pest Presented here are some of the more useful products of that effort to date. Easy-to-measure data for forest characteristics such as species composition and crown condition can be collected and applied in models that estimate potential stand and tree mortality and changes in timber value. North. J. Appl. For. 2:21-23, June 1984.

scholarly journals Do the assemblages of benthic macroinvertebrates in nearshore waters of Western Australia vary among habitat types, zones and seasons?

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.D. Wildsmith ◽  
I.C. Potter ◽  
F.J. Valesini ◽  
M.E. Platell
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Benthic Macroinvertebrates ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Subtidal Zone ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Environmental Characteristics ◽  
Deposit Feeding ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled seasonally in the subtidal and upper and lower swash zones at two sites in each of six nearshore habitat types on the lower west coast of Australia. The habitat types, which differed mainly in the extent of their exposure to wave activity and whether sea grass and/or nearshore reefs were present, had been distinguished quantitatively using values for a suite of seven statistically-selected enduring environmental characteristics (Valesini et al., 2003). The core samples yielded 121 species representing eight phyla, among which the Polychaeta, Malacostraca and Bivalvia were the most speciose classes, contributing ∼38, 23 and 10%, respectively, to the total number of individuals. The total number of species and mean density of macroinvertebrates at the most protected habitat type (1), i.e. 70 and 209·2 individuals 0·1 m−2, respectively, were far greater than in any other habitat type. Habitat type influenced species composition to a greater extent than either zone or season. Furthermore, the extents of the differences among the species compositions of the six habitat types statistically matched the extents of the differences among the values for the suite of enduring environmental characteristics that distinguished each of those habitat types. Overall, the species composition at habitat type 1 was the most distinct, containing five abundant species of polychaetes that were adapted to deposit-feeding in calm waters with high levels of organic material and which were rare in all other habitat types. In contrast, the fauna at the most exposed habitat type was characterized by four crustacean species and a species of bivalve and polychaete, whose mobility and tough external surface facilitated their survival and feeding in turbulent waters. The zonal differences in faunal compositions among habitat types were greatest in the case of the subtidal zone. The faunal compositions differed among zones and seasons only at the most protected habitat type.

First study of the Polycladida (Rhabditophora, Platyhelminthes) from the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4964 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-381
Author(s):  
PATRICIA SOUTULLO ◽  
DANIEL CUADRADO ◽  
CAROLINA NOREÑA
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Intertidal Zone ◽  
Pacific Coast ◽  
New Records ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Animal Kingdom ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity ◽  
Marine Park ◽  
Rocky Intertidal Zone ◽  
The Pacific

In the present work was carried out in the intertidal zone of Las Baulas de Guanacaste National Marine Park (PNMB) located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.                The main objective was to contribute to knowledge about the invertebrate diversity of the park, one of the richest bioregions on the planet, about which little is known. This study assesses the Order Polycladida Lang, 1884, a cornerstone of this ecosystem and one of the most cosmopolitan and plastic invertebrate taxa in the animal kingdom.                In total, 57 individuals were collected in the rocky intertidal zone of Carbón and Langosta beaches. Nine different species were identified, of which four are new for Costa Rica: Semonia bauliensis n. sp.; Cryptostylochus sesei n. sp.; Paraplanocera angeli n. sp., Prostheceraeus fitae n. sp.; and five new records: Paraplanocera oligoglena (Schmarda, 1859); Marcusia ernesti Hyman, 1953; Enchiridium magec Cuadrado, Moro & Noreña, 2017; Pseudobiceros bajae (Hyman, 1953); and the genus Boninia spp. 

The germinable soil seedbank of Eucalyptus victrix grassy woodlands at Roy Hill station, Pilbara district, Western Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Graham ◽  
S. K. Florentine ◽  
J. E. D. Fox ◽  
T. M. Luong
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Surface Areas ◽  
Hill Station ◽  
Soil Seedbank ◽  
Germinable Seed

The paper reports soil seedbank species composition, of Eucalyptus victrix grassy woodlands, of the upper Fortescue River in the Pilbara District, Western Australia. In this study, our objectives were to investigate germinable soil seedbanks and species composition in response to three simulated seasons, using emergence. Variation in seed density from three depths was tested. Four field sites were sampled. Thirty samples were collected in late spring, after seed rain and before summer rainfall. From each sample spot, three soil depths (surface, 1–5, and 6–10 cm) were segregated from beneath surface areas of 100 cm2. Samples were later incubated in a glasshouse to simulate three different seasonal conditions (autumn, winter and spring). Germinating seedlings were recorded on emergence and grown until identified. Forty-one species germinated, comprising 11 grasses (7 annuals and 4 perennials), 25 annual herbs and 5 perennial herbs. Distribution patterns of germinable seed in both the important annual grass Eragrostis japonica and the perennial Eragrostis setifolia (a preferred cattle fodder species), suggest that seedbank accumulation differs among species and between sites. In part, this may be associated with the absence of grazing. Species with most total germinable seed were E. japonica (Poaceae; 603/m2), and the annual herbs Calotis multicaulis (Asteraceae; 346/m2), and Mimulus gracilis (Scrophulariaceae; 168/m2). Perennial grass seed was sparse. Spring simulation gave most germination (1059), followed by autumn (892) and winter (376) sets. Greatest species diversity was produced from the spring simulation (33 species), followed by autumn (26), and winter (22). Of the total germination, 92% came from 17 species that were represented in all three simulations. Of the 1227 grass seedlings counted, most were recruited from the surface soil (735), followed by the 5 (310) and 10 (182) cm depths. Marginally more grass seedlings germinated from the spring simulation (558) than the autumn set (523). Only 11.9% of grass germinants came from the winter simulation. All grass species recruited from the soil seedbanks had a C4 photosynthetic pathway. Except for Cenchrus ciliaris all grass species are native to Australia. Of the four sites sampled, one fenced to exclude cattle five years earlier had significantly more germination than the three unfenced sites. Seedbank sampling produced several new records for plants in the areas sampled.

scholarly journals Succession in rocky intertidal benthic communities in areas with different pollution levels at Guanabara Bay (RJ-Brazil)

2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 951-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Breves-Ramos ◽  
Helena Passeri Lavrado ◽  
Andrea de Oliveira Ribeiro Junqueira ◽  
Sérgio Henrique Gonçalves da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Organic Pollution ◽  
Polluted Area ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Percent Cover ◽  
Guanabara Bay ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Resilient Communities

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the succession of intertidal benthic communities in two areas at Guanabara Bay, RJ, Brazil: Urca, an area submitted to moderated organic pollution and Catalão, an extremely polluted area. Three transects in each area were scraped one month before the beginning of this study in order to evaluate the recruitment (recruitment-treatments). Three other transects were monitored without manipulation (monitoring treatments). Species composition and relative abundance were evaluated monthly between September and December, 2000. A total of 26 species was found at Urca and 13 at Catalão. The percent cover of the most abundant organisms was not similar between treatments at Urca after four months, while in Catalão, the similarity was 72% in the second month. The faster community development and recovery at the most polluted area was probably related to the existence of simple and resilient communities in more impacted areas.

scholarly journals Species composition and structure of parasites component communities of tugun Coregonus tugun (Pallas, 1814) from the Khatanga and Yenisei Rivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 72-80
Author(s):  
Kseniya Viktorovna Polyaeva ◽  
Gennady Nikolaevich Dorovskikh ◽  
Yuliya Konstantinovna Chugunova
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Parasite Community ◽  
Shannon Index ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Parasite Communities ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Species Composition And Structure

Tugun Coregonus tugun (Pallas, 1814) is an endemic of Siberia. Information about the species composition and structure of tugun parasite community on the stage of spawning migration is described in this paper. We carried out ichtioparasitologic studies in the Yenisey and the Khatanga Rivers in 2011-2014. Tugun parasite complex from the Khatanga River remains statistically identical in species composition, number of individuals and biomass and differs from those of the Yeniseis tugun over the entire study period. Apparently two different stocks of tugun were investigated in the Yenisei River. One of them lives in the Yeniseis streambed, the other one lives in the Podkamennaya Tunguska River. The composition of the parasitic fauna of tugun from two rivers is formed by generalist species. Tugun parasites component communities from all material collection stations have high values of the Shannon index and two dominant species (by numbers of parasites and by biomass). We found out that the species biomasses differ significantly on the graphic community structure. The description of tugun parasite communities corresponds to characteristic of a climax community on the stage of destruction except the graphic structure. In the analyzed parasitic communities the processes of egg laying and larval appearance, the death of parasites of previous year generation and infection with this year parasites occur simultaneously. The stages of formation and destruction of the community overlap. The described state of tugun parasites communities has an adaptive value. The load on the host body is reduced which ensures the long-term existence of parasites.

Florida Inlets and Intertidal Biofouling Communities

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin B. Johnson ◽  
Jayden L. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Coast ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Drainage Basins ◽  
Bugula Neritina ◽  
Bare Rock ◽  
The North ◽  
Latitudinal Patterns ◽  
Invasive Bryozoan ◽  
Community Component

AbstractThis study reports on the identity and coverage of rocky intertidal species in the major inlets of Florida’s Atlantic coast. From north to south, these inlets are Fort George, St. Augustine, Ponce De Leon, Port Canaveral, Sebastian, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Boca Raton, Port Everglades, Baker’s Haulover, and Port of Miami. Dominant coverage in the southerly inlets included star corals (Siderastrea radians, 62% Port of Miami), ribbed barnacles (Tetraclita stalactifera, 18% Port Everglades), and zoanthid corals (Palythoa sp., 40% Baker’s Haulover). In the north, the community shifted and species absent in the south became common (e.g., eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica, 9% Fort George, 15% St. Augustine; the macroalga Enteromorpha lactuca, 10% Fort George, 17% Sebastian Inlet). The invasive bryozoan Bugula neritina was always present north of the Port of Miami and was a major community component north of Port Everglades (e.g., 27% Fort Pierce Inlet and 22% Ponce de Leon Inlet). Correlations between intertidal populations and environmental indicators included the oyster C. virginica with various sea surface temperature (SST) parameters (e.g., inverse correlations with max SST, R2 = 0.81, p = .038). Likewise, the coralline alga Pneophyllum fragile was correlated with various SST parameters (e.g., min SST, R2 = 0.51, p = .020). Bare rock and B. neritina both showed inverse correlations with the human population of inlet drainage basins (R2 = 0.28, p = .040 and R2 = 0.33, p = .026, respectively), the latter relationship an unexpected pattern for a notorious invader. These data show latitudinal patterns and provide baselines for future comparisons in the wake of projected climate change.

Infaunal macroinvertebrate assemblages of the eastern Great Australian Bight: effectiveness of a marine protected area in representing the region's benthic biodiversity

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 459 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Currie ◽  
Shirley J. Sorokin ◽  
Tim M. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Inner Shelf ◽  
Protection Zone ◽  
Marine Park ◽  
Great Australian Bight ◽  
Deposit Feeding ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Marine reserves are used widely throughout the world to conserve biodiversity, but in many instances uncertainties exist over how well these areas represent biodiversity at a regional scale (i.e. 100–1000 km). In the present study, infaunal assemblages were examined in the eastern Great Australian Bight (GAB) to evaluate the efficacy of the Benthic Protection Zone of the GAB Marine Park in representing regional biodiversity. Distributional patterns in infauna were further examined in relation to epifaunal species composition and environmental conditions to investigate structural forcing. Grab samples of infauna were collected from the same 65 sites sampled in an earlier survey of epifauna. In total, 240 taxa belonging to 11 phyla were collected. Most taxa were uncommon, with 96% representing less than 2% of the total number of individuals collected and 39% occurring at only one site. Unlike the epifauna, the infauna of the eastern GAB does not appear to be particularly diverse. Sessile filter feeders dominated the infaunal communities of the inner shelf, whereas motile, deposit-feeding organisms dominated the shelf break. As was the case with the epifauna, the highest numbers of taxa and individuals were recorded near the head of the bight and in inner-shelf waters off the western Eyre Peninsula, where productivity is enhanced by upwelling. Cluster analysis identified three community groupings, which were strongly correlated with depth. All three communities and 72% (172) of the 240 taxa collected were represented within the Benthic Protection Zone of the GAB Marine Park, confirming findings from the epifaunal survey that this protected area is well placed to represent the benthic biodiversity of the eastern GAB.

Changes in an Assemblage of Small Birds in the Understorey of Dry Sclerophyll Forest in Southwestern Australia After Fire

1988 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 331 ◽  
Author(s):  
RD Wooller ◽  
MC Calver
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Southwestern Australia ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Sclerophyll Forest

Changes in the numbers and types of small birds caught in mist-nets in the understorey of dry sclerophyll forest in south-western Australia were recorded for three years after a low intensity fire. There were few changes in the species composition of the assemblage but abundances of the 6-8 most numerous and relatively sedentary species were approximately halved. Many marked individuals (22%) were recaptured up to three years after the fire. After the fire, the number of prey taxa recorded from the faeces of birds caught fell from twelve to six, and the birds ate proportionately more ants and fewer beetles. Ants eaten after the fire were smaller than those eaten before it.

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