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Bioturbation and sediments of terrestrial subterranean ecosystems and their relevance to ecosystem services
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Resumo(s)
Soil is the substrate of life. Subterranean sediments are mainly composed of the same properties but are
often overlooked and not considered soils. Caves are subterranean ecosystems with different
geomorphologies sharing similar ecological characteristics, such as the absence of light, high humidity,
constant temperatures, and low nutrient availability. Caves accumulate all types of materials in their
sediments and depending on their origin, they can be formed autochthonously (inside) or
allochthonously (outside). Cave-adapted Miktoniscus longispina Reboleira & Taiti 2015 (Isopoda:
Trichoniscidae), endemic in Portugal, was seen in the laboratory and in situ, processing cave sediments.
This study focuses on the characterization of cave sediments collected from 15 different caves in central
Portugal and the in the role of M. longispina in the bioturbation of cave sediments. The results show that
cave sediments were predominantly alkaline, composed of fine fractions, and low organic matter. The
content in organic matter increased significantly because of the biological activity of M. longispina that
constructed shelters and tunnels with the available sediment, vegetable organic matter, and fecal pellets.
The role of these cave-adapted terrestrial isopods in the bioturbation of deep sediments provides a
relevant ecosystem service, vital for global soil health.
Descrição
Tese de mestrado, Biologia Humana e Ambiente, 2025, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências
Palavras-chave
Ecossistemas subterrâneos sedimentos matéria orgânica bioturbação serviços de ecossistema Teses de mestrado - 2025