The suspension-feeder communities of a Mediterranean sea cave
Balduzzi, A.; Bianchi, C.N.; Boero, F.; Cattaneo-Vietti, R.; Pansini, M.; Sarà, M. (1989). The suspension-feeder communities of a Mediterranean sea cave, in: Ros, J.D. (Ed.) Topics in Marine Biology: Proceedings of the 22nd European Marine Biology Symposium, Barcelona, Spain, August 1987. Scientia Marina (Barcelona), 53(2-3): pp. 387-395 In: Ros, J.D. (Ed.) (1989). Topics in marine biology: Proceedings of the 22nd European Marine Biology Symposium, Barcelona, Spain, August 1987. European Marine Biology Symposia, 22. Scientia Marina (Barcelona), 53(2-3). 145-754 pp., more In: European Marine Biology Symposia., more |  |
| Available in | Authors | | Document type: Conference paper
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| Authors | | Top | - Balduzzi, A.
- Bianchi, C.N.
- Boero, F., more
| - Cattaneo-Vietti, R.
- Pansini, M.
- Sarà, M.
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| Abstract | The zonation pattern of suspension-feeder communities in a 80 m long cave of the Gulf of Naples has been evaluated by standard, visually oriented, and photographic samplings. Light and water movement intensities have been measured and their gradients have been compared with the distribution of the considered taxa (Porifera, Hydroida, Bivalvia, Serpuloidea, and Bryozoa). The so-called "biocoenosis of semi-dark caves (GSO)" is restricted to the entrance and its presence seems mainly related to light values. On the contrary , the "biocoenosis of dark caves (GO)" occupies the rest of the cave, where light is almost absent, and is likely to be mainly influenced by water movement. The individuality of cave communities is discussed,stressing that also other habitats are colonized by species assemblages which are referable to GSO and GO. The evolution of species retained as "typical" of shallow water marine caves of the Mediterranean is hypothesized as having occurred mainly in cryptic or bathyal environments. The colonization of caves possibly occurred as a secondary event and therefore can be defined as "secondary troglobiosis". As a consequence, the denomination of cave-inhabiting communities should be reformulated. |
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