| Sponge richness along a bathymetric gradient within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa |  |
| Samaai, T.; Gibbons, M.J.; Kerwath, S.E.; Yemane, D.; Sink, K. (2011). Sponge richness along a bathymetric gradient within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa Mar. Biodiv. 40(3): 205-217 |
| In: Marine Biodiversity. Springer: Berlin. ISSN 1867-1616, meer |
| Trefwoorden |
Bathymetrie; Ecologische zonatie; Onderzeese canyons; Soortendiversiteit; Sponges; Porifera [Sponzen] [WoRMS]; PSW, South Africa, Kwazulu-Natal [gazetteer]; Marien |
| Abstract |
A total of 96 species of sponge were recorded in a bathymetric survey conducted within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Non-random processes are hypothesised to account for the decline in species richness with increasing depth, and the data add support to Rapoport’s rule. Morphological and colour diversity were strongly correlated and decreased with depth. Five communities could be identified at the 30% level of similarity using cluster analysis, and these correspond to intertidal and shallow subtidal (to 10 m), deep sub-photic zone (coral reefs: 10–30 m), deep reefs (40–90 m), canyon margin (100–140 m) and canyon (140–360 m). The data add support to recently hypothesised bathymetric zones around South Africa. |
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