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Spatial patterns of marine biodiversity associated with habitatforming species on rocky reefs: the Arrábida Marine Protected Area case study
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Resumo(s)
Coastal zones and their rocky reefs are the most productive areas in the world and offer
important economic benefits to society and also invaluable ecosystem services. Thus, the study of the
biodiversity that supports the basis of food chains and the patterns that determine their spatial variability
is of special relevance. The present dissertation investigates the biodiversity composition (taxonomic
and functional) and distribution patterns of epifauna associated with four habitat-forming species (HFS)
(Halopteris scoparia; Saccorhiza polyschides; Sphaerococcus coronopifolius; Treptacantha usneoides).
The study was carried out in temperate rocky reefs of four sites at Arrábida Marine Protected Area,
mainland Portugal. In this study, Arthropods and Molluscs were the two large taxonomic groups
associated with the HFS studied. These groups are characterized by having a free lifestyle, moving freely
in the substrate, being mostly detritivores and able to feed on a varied diet. Results showed a spatial
segregation of the epifauna in relation to the four HFS studied. Functional structure is less variable
among replicates than taxonomic structure, explaining a greater percentage of community variation. S.
polyschides showed the highest abundance of epifauna, probably due to the greater amount of available
habitat compared to the other HFS. T. usneoides showed the lowest abundance despite its size and
biomass, possibly not being favored by the hydrodynamic conditions found at the time of sampling
(stronger sea currents). Despite its small size, H. scoparia was important for a large number of organisms
that, possibly, found in this HFS a favorable texture to find shelter and refuge. The DistLM showed that
density of surrounding algae, mean depth and number of refuges, were also important variables to the
biodiversity patterns observed. These results can contribute to a more effective management of marine
protected areas, if integrated as an important piece of knowledge for a more complete understanding of
ecological networks.
Descrição
Tese de mestrado, Ecologia Marinha, 2022, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências
Palavras-chave
Recifes rochosos temperados macroalgas espécies-formadoras de habitat características funcionais biodiversidade Teses de mestrado - 2023