Impact of laboratory-imposed physical disturbance on the abundance of four isolates of marine gymnamoebae
Cowie, P.R.; Hannah, F. (2007). Impact of laboratory-imposed physical disturbance on the abundance of four isolates of marine gymnamoebae. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 151(2): 675-686. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-006-0507-x
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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| Abstract |
Four species of gymnamoebae isolated from a sandy shore were subjected to physical disturbance within sand microcosms containing either 250 or 125 µm sand. Firstly, the effect of two different strengths of physical disturbance on amoebae populations within sand was investigated. Secondly, whether the size of sand grains occupied by amoebae populations changed their response to disturbance events was assessed. Highest abundances of amoebae were recorded in control flasks containing 125 µm sand. Increasing the strength of disturbance decreased the abundance of all four species. Abundances of the two smallest isolates (Platyamoeba sp. and a limax amoeba) were least affected by increasing disturbance. The greatest decrease in abundance was observed in populations of two larger (>15 µm) Mayorella sp. and Vannella sp. The greatest impact of physical disturbance was seen on populations within 250 µm sand. This study shows that physical disturbance may be an important community structuring force within natural marine gymnamoebae communities. |
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