Pires, Sofia Nunes Henriques Margarido, 1983-Batista, Marisa Isabel SantosSilva, Filipa Santos2023-07-262023-07-2620232022http://hdl.handle.net/10451/58762Tese de mestrado, Ecologia Marinha, 2022, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de CiênciasCoastal 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.engRecifes rochosos temperadosmacroalgasespécies-formadoras de habitatcaracterísticas funcionaisbiodiversidadeTeses de mestrado - 2023master thesis203490525