Effects of Particle Size and Particle Heterogeneity on Benthic Functional Guilds in Elkhorn Slough, CA

Effects of Particle Size and Particle Heterogeneity on Benthic Functional Guilds in Elkhorn Slough, CA PDF Author: Katherine E. Huotari
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Benthos
Languages : en
Pages : 57

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Book Description
Changes in particle size of sediment as a result of erosion can have potential impacts on benthic community structure. To examine the potential impacts, a 2x2 factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of particle size and particle heterogeneity on the intertidal community structure of Elkhorn Slough using data provided by Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. In this study, changes in functional guild roles with respect to particle size and particle heterogeneity were examined, rather than traditional biological measures, because functional guild roles are more directly related to physical changes in the environment. The results showed that particle size and particle heterogeneity affected functional roles. Increases in particle size showed a corresponding decrease in number of surface-dwelling species and of surface and subsurface individuals. In addition, increases were observed in the number of domicile guilds, tube-dwelling species, suspension species, deposit-feeding species, and deposit-feeding individuals. Decreases in particle heterogeneity corresponded with a decrease in the number of feeding guilds. This research indicates that the benthic community in Elkhorn Slough may change radically over time, particularly in response to changes in particle size.

Effects of Particle Size and Particle Heterogeneity on Benthic Functional Guilds in Elkhorn Slough, CA

Effects of Particle Size and Particle Heterogeneity on Benthic Functional Guilds in Elkhorn Slough, CA PDF Author: Katherine E. Huotari
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Benthos
Languages : en
Pages : 57

Get Book Here

Book Description
Changes in particle size of sediment as a result of erosion can have potential impacts on benthic community structure. To examine the potential impacts, a 2x2 factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of particle size and particle heterogeneity on the intertidal community structure of Elkhorn Slough using data provided by Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. In this study, changes in functional guild roles with respect to particle size and particle heterogeneity were examined, rather than traditional biological measures, because functional guild roles are more directly related to physical changes in the environment. The results showed that particle size and particle heterogeneity affected functional roles. Increases in particle size showed a corresponding decrease in number of surface-dwelling species and of surface and subsurface individuals. In addition, increases were observed in the number of domicile guilds, tube-dwelling species, suspension species, deposit-feeding species, and deposit-feeding individuals. Decreases in particle heterogeneity corresponded with a decrease in the number of feeding guilds. This research indicates that the benthic community in Elkhorn Slough may change radically over time, particularly in response to changes in particle size.

Higher Education and SDG14

Higher Education and SDG14 PDF Author: Simon J Davies
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing
ISBN: 1835492525
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 176

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Book Description
Uniting real-world crises with everyday research and learning, this pioneering work champions the importance of governance and global cooperation for enacting era-defining change and sustaining and protecting life below water.

Intertidal Ecology

Intertidal Ecology PDF Author: D. Raffaelli
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940091489X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 367

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Book Description
The seashore has long been the subject of fascination and study - the Ancient Greek scholar Aristotle made observations and wrote about Mediterranean sea urchins. The considerable knowledge of what to eat and where it could be found has been passed down since prehistoric times by oral tradition in many societies - in Britain it is still unwise to eat shellfish in months without an 'r' in them. Over the last three hundred years or so we have seen the formalization of science and this of course has touched intertidal ecology. Linnaeus classified specimens collected from the seashore and many common species (Patella vulgata L. , Mytilus edulis L. , Littorina littorea (L. )) bear his imprint because he formally described, named and catalogued them. Early natural historians described zonation patterns in the first part of the 19th century (Audouin and Milne-Edwards, 1832), and the Victorians became avid admirers and collectors of shore animals and plants with the advent of the new fashion of seaside holidays (Gosse, 1856; Kingsley, 1856). As science became professionalized towards the end of the century, marine biologists took advantage of low tides to gain easy access to marine life for taxonomic work and classical studies of functional morphology. The first serious studies of the ecology of the shore were made at this time (e. g.

A Handbook of Global Freshwater Invasive Species

A Handbook of Global Freshwater Invasive Species PDF Author: Robert A. Francis
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1136461248
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 918

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Book Description
Invasive non-native species are a major threat to global biodiversity. Often introduced accidentally through international travel or trade, they invade and colonize new habitats, often with devastating consequences for the local flora and fauna. Their environmental impacts can range from damage to resource production (e.g. agriculture and forestry) and infrastructure (e.g. buildings, road and water supply), to human health. They consequently can have major economic impacts. It is a priority to prevent their introduction and spread, as well as to control them. Freshwater ecosystems are particularly at risk from invasions and are landscape corridors that facilitate the spread of invasives. This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the most notable global invasive freshwater species or groups, based on their severity of economic impact, geographic distribution outside of their native range, extent of research, and recognition of the ecological severity of the impact of the species by the IUCN. As well as some of the very well-known species, the book also covers some invasives that are emerging as serious threats. Examples covered include a range of aquatic and riparian plants, insects, molluscs, crustacea, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, as well as some major pathogens of aquatic organisms. The book also includes overview chapters synthesizing the ecological impact of invasive species in fresh water and summarizing practical implications for the management of rivers and other freshwater habitats.

Marine Macrophytes as Foundation Species

Marine Macrophytes as Foundation Species PDF Author: Emil Olafsson
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1498723268
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 286

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Book Description
Marine macrophytes (macroalgae, seagrasses, and mangroves) comprise thousands of species distributed in shallow water areas along the world’s coastlines. They play a key role in marine ecosystems regarding biodiversity and energy flow. A large proportion of macrophyte species can be characterised as ecosystem engineers—organisms that directly or indirectly affect the availability of resources to other species by modifying, maintaining, and creating habitats. This book is divided into three main themes: • Marine macroalgae and seagrasses as sources of biodiversity gives an overview of the diversity of the main organisms associated with macrophytes, and their functional role and interactions within their hosts. • Primary and secondary production of Macrophytes synthesizes research on food web structures derived from/or associated with, macrophytes and the transfer of macrophytic primary and secondary production from one ecosystem to another. • Threats to macrophytic ecosystem engineers addresses human-induced effects including eutrophication, physical destruction, invasive species, and global warming. The book is among the first one to concentrate on the value of macrophytes for the well-being of marine habitats. The book is aimed at academics but may be useful for students, policy makers, and laymen alike.

Ecotones

Ecotones PDF Author: Marjorie Holland
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461596866
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
We live in a changing world; one in which there is much concern and discussion about the topics of global change, loss of biodiversity, and increasing threats to the sustainability of ecosystems. The effects these changes may have on the environment have lead governments and sCientists to make predictions as to how soon changes might occur, where, and with what impact for large and small regions of the Earth. Along with this concern for change in various regions has come the need to understand the role of boundaries between these regions and between landscape elements. Much previous ecological research has dealt with processes within relatively homogeneous landscape units or even the collective characteristics of a composite landscape. Now, however, there is an appreciation that abiotic and biotic components move across heterogeneous landscapes and that the boundaries between these units take on important control functions in this dynamic spatial system. Furthermore, landscape boundaries (or ecotones) are important not only in satisfying life-cycle needs of many organisms, but generally are characterized by high biological diversity.

Landscape Boundaries

Landscape Boundaries PDF Author: Andrew J. Hansen
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461228042
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 462

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Book Description
The emergence of landscape ecology during the 1980s represents an impor tant maturation of ecological theory. Once enamored with the conceptual beauty of well-balanced, homogeneous ecosystems, ecologists now assert that much of the essence of ecological systems lies in their lumpiness. Patches with differing properties and behaviors lie strewn across the land scape, products of the complex interactions of climate, disturbance, and biotic processes. It is the collective behavior of this patchwork of eco systems that drives pattern and process of the landscape. is not an end point This realization of the importance of patch dynamics in itself, however. Rather, it is a passage to a new conceptual framework, the internal workings of which remain obscure. The next tier of questions includes: What are the fundamental pieces that compose a landscape? How are these pieces bounded? To what extent do these boundaries influence communication and interaction among patches of the landscape? Will con sideration of the interactions among landscape elements help us to under stand the workings of landscapes? At the core of these questions lies the notion of the ecotone, a term with a lineage that even predates ecosystem. Late in the nineteenth century, F. E. Clements realized that the transition zones between plant communi ties had properties distinct from either of the adjacent communities. Not until the emergence of patch dynamics theory, however, has central signif icance of the ecotone concept become apparent.

Great Lakes Fish Egg and Larvae Identification

Great Lakes Fish Egg and Larvae Identification PDF Author: John Boreman
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fishes
Languages : en
Pages : 234

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Book Description


Applications of Paleoenvironmental Techniques in Estuarine Studies

Applications of Paleoenvironmental Techniques in Estuarine Studies PDF Author: Kaarina Weckström
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9402409904
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 696

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Book Description
The aim of this edited volume is to introduce the scientific community to paleoenvironmental studies of estuaries, to highlight the types of information that can be obtained from such studies, and to promote the use of paleoenvironmental studies in estuarine management. Readers will learn about the the application of different paleoecological approaches used in estuaries that develop our understanding of their response to natural and human influences. Particular attention is given to the essential steps required for undertaking a paleoecological study, in particular with regard to site selection, core extraction and chronological techniques, followed by the range of indicators that can be used. A series of case studies are discussed in the book to demonstrate how paleoecological studies can be used to address key questions, and to sustainably manage these important coastal environments in the future. This book will appeal to professional scientists interested in estuarine studies and/or paleoenvironmental research, as well as estuarine managers who are interested in the incorporation of paleoenvironmental research into their management programs.

Mudflat Ecology

Mudflat Ecology PDF Author: Peter G. Beninger
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319991949
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 429

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Book Description
Intertidal mudflats are distinct, highly-productive marine habitats which provide important ecosystem services to the land-sea interface. In contrast to other marine habitats, and despite a large body of primary scientific literature, no comprehensive synthesis exists, such that the scattered knowledge base lacks an integrated conceptual framework. We attempt to provide this synthesis by pulling together and contextualizing the different disciplines, tools, and approaches used in the study of intertidal mudflats. The editor pays particular attention to relationships between the various components of the synthesis, both at the conceptual and the operational levels, validating these relationships through close interaction with the various authors.