The Influence of Algae Habitat complexity on the Associated Invertebrate Assemblage: Consequences for Taxonomic Distribution, Abundance and Diversity
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Authors
Vesely, Deborah J.
Issue Date
1990
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Habitat complexity concomitantly increases marine organism
abundance, distribution and diversity (Hicks, 1980; Menge et al.,
1976; Dean and Connell, 1987). However, the influence of substrate
complexity on invertebrate habitat selection among algal species is
unknown. In this study the influence of habitat complexity on the
distribution and abundance of the invertebrate assemblages
associated with five different algal species; Dictyopterus spp, Eisenia
arborea, Macrocystis pyrifera, Sargassum palmeri, Zonaria farlowii,
was tested. Habitat complexity was found to vary among algal
species when assessed by measuring and comparing surface area and
branching indices of each algal species. The algae and associated
invertebrate assemblages were collected from Santa Catalina Island,
California. The invertebrate assemblages were sorted by taxon and
weight. The relative abundance, distribution and diversity of the
invertebrate assemblages differed significantly among algal species.
Algae that varied in surface area and branching indices, showed
different distributions and abundances of individual invertebrate
taxa. Patterns of similarity between invertebrate abundance and
distribution associated with algal species varying in complexity
suggest the influence of habitat complexity on habitat selection.
These results can be further supported by an examination of
individual invertebrate taxon life histories.
Description
vi, 39 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
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