Functional diversity of nematode communities in the southwestern North Sea

Schratzberger, Michaela, Warr, Karema and Rogers, Stuart (2007) Functional diversity of nematode communities in the southwestern North Sea. Marine Environmental Research, 63 (4). pp. 368-389. ISSN 0141-1136

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

A range of biological traits of nematode species were combined to identify patterns in the functional composition of their assemblages collected at 19 soft-bottom stations in the southwestern North Sea with the primary aim to determine which environmental variables control communities. We used 19 categories of five biological traits thought or known to represent an important ecological function. These were related to buccal morphology, tail shape, body size, body shape and life history strategy. Data on trait membership was provided by biological information on species and genera. A total of 79 different trait combinations were recorded. Results from correlation analyses revealed several significant relationships between traits. Some trait combinations were shared by different species and genera, and the ratio of realised versus total number of possible trait combinations of < 1 suggested that some trait combinations were not represented by the nematode fauna from this region. The functional composition of nematodes was strongly linked to median particle diameter and silt content of the sediment and water depth. The approach adopted and our attempts at defining and analysing functional attributes of nematode communities raised a number of conceptual and methodological issues which are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	21 Mar 2022 09:30
Last Modified:	23 Oct 2022 03:40
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/84169
DOI:	10.1016/j.marenvres.2006.10.006

Actions (login required)

View Item