Spatial and temporal variations of meiofaunal communities from the western sector of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba: I. Mangrove systems
Armenteros, M.; Martín, I.; Williams, J.P.; Creagh, B.; González-Sansón, G.; Capetillo, N. (2006). Spatial and temporal variations of meiofaunal communities from the western sector of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba: I. Mangrove systems. Est. Coast. 29(1): 124-132 In: Estuaries and Coasts. Estuarine Research Federation: Port Republic, Md.. ISSN 1559-2723; e-ISSN 1559-2731, more |   |
| Keywords | Composition > Community composition
Layers > Water column
Mangroves
Meiofauna
Mudflats
Nematodes
Resettlement of people
Spatial variations
Temporal variations
Rhizophora mangle L. [WoRMS]; Rhizophoraceae [WoRMS]
ASW, Greater Antilles, Cuba [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top | - Armenteros, M., more
- Martín, I.
- Williams, J.P.
| - Creagh, B.
- González-Sansón, G.
- Capetillo, N.
| |
| Abstract | The spatial and temporal variations of meiofaunal communities in mangrove systems were examined. Replicated cores were taken in mudflats between prop roots ofRhizophora mangle at five locations within the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba, during 3 mo. There was a clear seasonality in the water column, but measured abiotic variables did not show obvious relations with meiofaunal patterns. The magnitude of change in salinity for each location appears to influence the meiofauna more than absolute values per se. The meiofauna from southern Pinar del Río showed a higher variation in community structure, suggesting higher levels of stress in comparison with locations in eastern Isla, possibly due to the presence of human settlements, runoff from land, and apparent deterioration of mangroves. The considerable variation in the density and community structure estimates on global (geographical regions) and local (locations in the Gulf of Batabanó) scales could be caused by the high spatial variability in the mangrove microenvironment, coupled with associated methodological differences in the sampling. There was a low density of meiofauna (mean: 101 animals 10 cm-2) compared to other shallow tropical habitats. Mangroves from densities than tropical mangroves, but causes of this putatively latitudinal pattern require further study. Future strategies for meiofaunal studies in mangrove systems should increase the temporal and spatial replication, include experiments to test ecological hypotheses, and apply a species level approach with regards to nematode assemblages. |
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