Journal article
Differences in biological traits composition of benthic assemblages between unimpacted habitats
Cefas Weymouth Laboratory1
Institute of Marine Research2
Wageningen University & Research3
National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark4
Section for Ecosystem based Marine Management, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark5
Bangor University6
Hellenic Centre for Marine Research7
Ondokuz Mayis University8
Research Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries9
There is an implicit requirement under contemporary policy drivers to understand the characteristics of benthic communities under anthropogenically-unimpacted scenarios.We used a trait-based approach on a large dataset from across the European shelf to determine how functional characteristics of unimpacted benthic assemblages vary between different sedimentary habitats.
Assemblages in deep, muddy environments unaffected by anthropogenic disturbance show increased proportions of downward conveyors and surface deposit-feeders, while burrowing, diffusive mixing, scavenging and predation traits assume greater numerical proportions in shallower habitats. Deep, coarser sediments are numerically more dominated by sessile, upward conveyors and suspension feeders.
In contrast, unimpacted assemblages of coarse sediments in shallower regions are proportionally dominated by the diffusive mixers, burrowers, scavengers and predators. Finally, assemblages of gravelly sediments exhibit a relatively greater numerical dominance of non-bioturbators and asexual reproducers.
These findings may be used to form the basis of ranking habitats along a functional sensitivity gradient
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2017 |
Pages: | 1-13 |
ISSN: | 18790291 and 01411136 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.01.004 |
ORCIDs: | Eigaard, Ole Ritzau , Dinesen, Grete E. and Bastardie, Francois |