The interaction between nutrient availability and disturbance frequency on the diversity of benthic marine communities on the North East coast of England.

Sugden, H., Lenz, Mark, Molis, M., Wahl, Martin and Thomason, J.C. (2008) The interaction between nutrient availability and disturbance frequency on the diversity of benthic marine communities on the North East coast of England. Journal of Animal Ecology, 77 (1). pp. 24-31. DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2007.01323.x.

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Abstract

1
Several theoretical models predict under what conditions maximum species diversity can be maintained, and they are often used to develop effective ecosystem management plans.
2
Two models that are currently used to predict patterns of species diversity were empirically tested in marine subtidal benthic communities of different successional stages.
3
The two models were: the interactive effects of nutrient availability and disturbance frequency proposed by Kondoh (2001; Proceedings of the Royal Society London B, 268, 269–271), and the intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH) proposed by Connell (1978; Science, 199, 1302–1310).
4
Interactive effects were found to be transient and only occurred in the older communities, while the unimodal pattern suggested by the IDH was not supported in either successional stage.
5
It is concluded that these models are very general and thus lack sufficient explanatory power. Both models require a number of specific prerequisites for maximum diversity to be found, and though applicable in many different ecosystems they need to be refined as tools in order that they can be effectively used in habitat management plans.

Document Type: Article
Keywords: Benthic Ecology; community structure; fouling communities; intermediate disturbance hypothesis; marine biodiversity; productivity–diversity relationships; succession
Research affiliation: OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence
OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB3 Marine Ecology > FB3-EOE-B Experimental Ecology - Benthic Ecology
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: Wiley
Projects: GAME, Future Ocean
Date Deposited: 03 Dec 2008 16:51
Last Modified: 09 Jun 2017 12:27
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/1370

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