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Species body size distribution patterns of marine benthic macrofauna assemblages from contrasting sediment types

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 1999

David M. Parry
Affiliation:
Institute of Marine Studies, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA
Michael A. Kendall
Affiliation:
Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3DH
Ashley A. Rowden
Affiliation:
Benthic Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA
Stephen Widdicombe
Affiliation:
Centre for Coastal and Marine Sciences, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3DH

Abstract

Species body size spectra have been constructed for macrofauna assemblages from four sites with contrasting sediment granulometry and heterogeneity in and around Plymouth Sound. The number of species and species turnover (β diversity) were higher on coarse sediment. While the fauna were distinct between sites, the median geometric size-class was conservative (class 14; 0.153–0.305 mg dry blotted weight). Only one site had significantly lower heterogeneity within the species size spectrum, yet this was the most heterogeneous sediment. As such, we were unable to reject the null hypothesis that species body size distribution patterns are conservative despite differences in sediment granulometry and heterogeneity.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1999 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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