Spatial and seasonal distribution of the meiofauna in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica
Novak, R. (1982). Spatial and seasonal distribution of the meiofauna in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Neth. J. Aquat. Ecol. 16: 380-388
In: Netherlands Journal of Aquatic Ecology. Kluwer Academic Publishers/Netherlands Society of Aquatic Ecology: Bilthoven. ISSN 1380-8427; e-ISSN 2214-7098, more
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| Abstract |
Distribution and abundance of meiofauna in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile in Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy, was studied during the annual growth cycle of the plant. Changes in habitat complexity are described by examination of macroepiphytic coverage of the leaves, and changes in trophic conditions for meiofauna by Scanning Electron Microscope investigation of bacterial and diatom distribution on the leaves of the plant. Meiofauna density in the leaf region is related to the annual growth rhythm of Posidonia, with maximum densities in September and minima in November, after the leaffall of the plant. In the stem region numerical density of meiofauna remains high all year, and fluctuates less drastically than in the leaf region. In the leaf region, harpacticoids and nauplii dominate all the year; an increase in relative abundance of foraminifers, nematodes and polychaetes occurs during summer. In the stem region nematodes, harpacticoids and Foraminifera constitute most of the meiofauna. |
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