崇明东滩盐沼湿地大型底栖动物功能群分布特征及其影响因子

以长江口崇明东滩典型盐沼分布区为研究区域,在不同站位固定样地月际取样调查基础上,分析了大型底栖动物食性功能群沿高程梯度的分布特征及其主要影响因子,特别是外来入侵植物的影响。结果表明,不同高程区域,大型底栖动物优势种不同,除中潮带分布区以杂食性和植食性功能群为主外,其余各区域均以杂食性功能群为主。沿高程梯度,大型底栖动物各功能群的多度和生物量均发生极显著的变化(P0.01),而不同功能群在不同植被带间的差异情况有所不同。其中,高程最低的光滩区域,肉食性功能群多度和生物量均显著高于高程相对较高的植被带(P0.05);中潮带海三棱藨草分布区植食性功能群多度和生物量均显著高于其他高程区域(P0.05)。主要生境因子,包括沉积物总磷、总氮、有机质、速效磷、硝态氮、铵态氮、中值粒径,以及植物的植株高度和地上部分生物量干重等指标,均随高程梯度变化显著(P0.05),但不同因子变化特征有所不同。外来种互花米草的入侵并未造成相应区域大型底栖动物优势功能群的改变,但区域内杂食性功能群的多度和生物量均显著增加(P0.05);环境因子中的部分因子,包括沉积物速效磷、硝态氮、铵态氮和有机质含量,表现出与同高程的本地种芦苇分布区间的显著差异(P0.05)。导致大型底栖动物食性功能群组成及分布发生变化是多种生境因子综合作用的结果,而对不同食性功能群起作用的主要影响因子存在差异。沉积物营养盐含量差异是造成大型底栖动物食性功能群多度变化的最主要因素;沉积物盐度是影响大型底栖动物食性功能群生物量的最主要因素。要完整揭示底栖动物功能群分布特征及其影响因子的作用机理,需要综合考虑水文、植被、沉积物等多种生境因子。     

浙江西门岛海洋特别保护区大型底栖动物功能群特征及其与环境的关系

为研究浙江西门岛海洋特别保护区大型底栖动物功能群的变化规律及其与环境因子的关系,作者分别于2010年4月(春季)、11月(秋季),2011年8月(夏季)和2012年2月(冬季)进行了4个航次的大型底栖动物调查,共鉴定出大型底栖动物78种,根据其食性类型划分为浮游生物食者、植食者、肉食者、杂食者、碎屑食者5种功能群.各功能群平均密度从高到低依次为浮游生物食者＞肉食者＞植食者＞碎屑食者＞杂食者,平均生物量从高到低依次为浮游生物食者＞碎屑食者＞肉食者＞杂食者＞植食者.单因素方差分析结果表明,大型底栖动物各功能群的密度和生物量季节间均无显著性差异.典范对应分析结果表明,影响大型底栖动物功能群的主要环境因子包括温度、溶解氧、溶解态无机磷和表层沉积物的中值粒径,排序轴对功能群-环境关系的贡献率计算结果表明环境变量可以较好地解释功能群的变化情况.     

广州南沙十四涌潮间带大型底栖动物的功能群

大型底栖动物根据食性可分为浮游生物食者(planktophagous, Pl)、植食者(phytophagous, Ph)、肉食者(carnivorous, C)、杂食者(omnivorous, O)和碎屑食者(detritivorous, D)五个功能群。本文根据2007-2008年度和2013-2014年度在茳芏(Cyperus malaccensis)、海桑(Sonneratia caseolaris)2种生境调查获得的各4个季度的大型底栖动物数据, 分析了广州南沙十四涌潮间带大型底栖动物功能群的生境差异、季节变化和年际变化。2007-2008年度采集到26种大型底栖动物, 低于2013-2014年度的36种。无论是2007-2008年度还是2013-2014年度, 茳芏、海桑生境的大型底栖动物均以植食者的栖息密度和生物量最高, 碎屑食者的栖息密度和生物量最低。生境比较得出, 茳芏生境大型底栖动物浮游生物食者(Pl)的丰富度指数(d)、均匀度指数(J)和多样性指数(H')均高于海桑生境。年度比较得出, 在茳芏和海桑生境, 2013-2014年度浮游生物食者的丰富度指数、均匀度指数和多样性指数均高于2007-2008年度, 这是因为2013-2014年度采集到红树蚬(Gelonia coaxans)和彩虹明樱蛤(Morerlla iridescens)等, 而2007-2008年度没有采集到。     

灵昆岛东滩潮间带大型底栖动物功能群及营养等级构成

2003年11月至2004年8月,在温州湾的灵昆岛东滩针对大型底栖动物群落进行了取样调查,利用调查数据进行功能群和营养等级构成研究。共得到大型底栖动物33种,隶属7门8纲21科,主要为软体动物、节肢动物甲壳类和环节动物多毛类。其中,高潮带25种,中潮带30种,低潮带14种。Margalef物种丰富度指数和Shannon—Weiner多样性指数均表现为：高潮带〉中潮带〉低潮带;Pielou均匀度指数和Simpson优势度指数表现为：高潮带〈中潮带〈低潮带。定性取样得到的浮游生物食者4种,植食者12种,肉食者8种,杂食者7种,碎屑食者2种,定量取样得到的分别为：3,8,5,3种和2种。定量取样获得数据中各个功能群种类数和密度季节间差异均不显著,不考虑季节变化因素肉食者和植食者密度在潮带间存在差异,杂食者和植食者种类数在潮带间存在差异,其他功能群密度和种类数数据在潮带间的差异不显著。研究显示了功能群的生境梯度变化,高潮带主导的功能群为肉食者,植食者和浮游生物食者;中潮带主导的功能群为肉食者和浮游生物食者;低潮带主导的功能群为肉食者,这些变化反映了不同潮带营养等级构成和食物来源的差异,由于生境中能提供的植物沿着高潮带,中潮带和低潮带方向递减,至低潮带未发现植食者;且由于中潮带的生境最为复杂,其功能群的构成也最为复杂;3个潮带的碎屑食者数量比较稳定。大型底栖动物群落与其食物来源一起共有4个营养等级,其中大型底栖动物占据了第2、3、4级,第1级主要碎屑、浮游生物和植物,第2级包括了碎屑食者、浮游生物食者和植食者,第3级主要是杂食者,第4级是肉食者,各个营养级、食物来源之间构成一张复杂的食物网。     

贡嘎山东坡典型植被类型土壤动物群落特征

为了掌握贡嘎山垂直植被带间土壤动物群落结构及多样性,2012年5月至10月间对贡嘎山东坡的常绿阔叶林、落叶阔叶林、针阔混交林和暗针叶林4种典型植被土壤动物群落进行了调查。共捕获土壤动物347只,隶属于10纲29目68类,其中山蛩属(Spirobolus)为优势类群。土壤动物的群落密度、生物量以及多样性呈常绿阔叶林落叶阔叶林针阔混交林暗针叶林趋势,其中密度、类群丰富度和Shannon-Wiener指数的变化具有显著差异(P0.05);落叶阔叶林和针阔混交林间的土壤动物群落结构差异明显,其他植被类型间的差异性受季节影响。从各功能群结构来看,腐食性和杂食性土壤动物占主要地位;各功能群的生物量均以常绿阔叶林和落叶阔叶林较高,针阔混交林和暗针叶林较低,而相对生物量的变化趋势各不相同,仅有腐食性功能群的生物量及植食性功能群的相对生物量在各垂直植被带间有显著差异(P0.05)。群落密度、生物量、类群丰富度、Shannon-Wiener指数以及腐食性和捕食性功能群的生物量与土壤温度呈显著相关(P0.05)。研究结果表明:贡嘎山东坡土壤动物的群落组成、多样性及功能群结构在各典型植被类型间有明显差异,土壤温度是影响土壤动物垂直分布格局的主要环境因子。     

长江口芦苇和互花米草盐沼湿地蟹类洞穴分布特征及主要影响因子

蟹类洞穴是蟹类在潮间带盐沼生存、繁衍的特征性结构,具有重要的生态功能。洞穴分布特征及其影响因子的分析,是深入探讨蟹类及其洞穴的生态系统功能的重要基础。2015年10月,在崇明北滩单一芦苇(Phragmites australis)群落,单一互花米草(Spartina alterniflora)群落和芦苇-互花米草混合群落3种典型生境中,对蟹类洞穴的分布特征及其相关的大型底栖动物、植被、沉积物等的特征参数进行了调研与分析。结果表明,生境类型差异对蟹类洞穴分布特征及相关生境因子具有重要影响。蟹类洞穴的分布密度和开口直径在不同生境间存在显著差异(P0.05),且单一芦苇群落生境内洞穴密度要显著高于单一互花米草群落生境(P0.05),洞穴开口直径在单一互花米草生境要显著高于单一芦苇生境(P0.05);大型底栖动物生物量、密度、植物地下部分生物量在不同生境间差异不显著(P0.05),而植株密度、活植株高度、植物地上部分生物量以及沉积物含水率、p H、氧化还原电位在不同生境间存在显著差异(P0.05)。沉积物中值粒径,总氮含量和总碳含量在不同生境间的差异随深度不同会发生变化。不同生境主要生境因子的差异是导致蟹类洞穴分布特征不同的根本原因;蟹类洞穴分布特征受多个生境因子的综合作用。筛选的生境因子的组合虽然与洞穴分布特征具有显著相关性,但相关系数较小。未来研究中需要拓展生境因子涵盖范围,加强多因子综合作用分析。     

杭州湾南岸大桥建设区域潮间带大型底栖动物功能群及营养等级的季节动态

2006年5月至2007年1月在杭州湾南岸跨海大桥附近潮滩共采集到32种大型底栖动物,根据其食性类型划分为5种功能群。用功能群方法对这些物种生境变化的关系进行了分析,结果表明:大型底栖动物各多样性指数在潮带间差异显著,季节间则只有Margalef种类丰度(S)和Shannon-Wiener指数(H′)存在显著性差异;各功能群密度在季节间均不存在显著性差异,而在潮带间除了浮游生物食者外,其它类群均存在显著性差异;肉食者的种类数在潮带间不存在显著性差异,而在季节间存在显著性差异,其它功能群刚好相反。滩涂大型底栖动物群落主要包括4个营养级别,各营养级的构成密度在季节间差异不显著,在潮带间则差异显著;各营养级种类数是处于第四级的肉食者季节间差异显著,潮带间变化不显著,处于第二、三营养等级的功能群则正好相反。底栖动物功能群多样性综合反映了杭州湾南岸大桥建设区域潮间带大型底栖动物群落变化情况。     

广西北海西村港互花米草对红树林湿地大型底栖动物群落的影响

为了解互花米草(Spartina alterniflora)入侵红树林的生态影响, 作者对位于北海市西村港的红树林湿地以及周边互花米草盐沼的大型底栖动物群落多样性和群落结构进行了研究。2012年10月至2013年9月连续4次取样, 按照取样时间研究大型底栖动物的种类、物种组成、生物量和生物多样性等群落特征的差异, 探讨互花米草入侵红树林湿地对大型底栖动物的影响。本研究共采集底栖动物16种, 隶属于5门7纲15科, 其中互花米草群落10种, 红树林湿地12种。研究发现互花米草入侵后中国绿螂(Glauconome chinensis)个体数量剧增, 导致不同采样时间互花米草盐沼的大型底栖动物生物量均显著高于红树林湿地; 除个别月份外, 红树林湿地大型底栖动物的Margalef丰富度指数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Simpson多样性指数和Pielou均匀度指数均显著高于互花米草群落。基于生境-采样时间的双因素方差分析结果表明, Shannon-Wiener多样性指数和Simpson指数在两种生境间差异显著; 两种生境的Margalef丰富度和Pielou均匀度指数在不同采样时间差异显著; 大型底栖动物生物量和物种数量在两种生境间和不同采样时间差异均显著。基于多元回归分析的研究结果表明, 互花米草密度是影响大型底栖动物生物量的关键因子, 而互花米草株高可以解释物种个体数量、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数和Simpson指数在两种生境的变化。对不同采样时间大型底栖动物群落结构的非度量多维度(non-metric multidimensional scaling, NMDS)分析结果表明, 红树林与互花米草群落的大型底栖动物群落相似性很低。总而言之, 在西村港地区, 互花米草入侵虽然增加了大型底栖动物的生物量, 但由于优势物种的凸显, 显著降低了大型底栖动物群落的多样性, 且种类组成与群落结构与红树林群落相比已有差异。由此可见, 互花米草入侵红树林对当地的大型底栖动物群落多样性造成影响。     

长江口横沙东滩围垦潮滩内外大型底栖动物功能群研究

2011年4月(春季)、7月(夏季)、10月(秋季)和12月(冬季),在横沙东滩的围垦潮滩和自然潮滩进行底栖动物的采样调查,进行功能群划分及数量特征分析。在围垦潮滩和自然潮滩分别采集到底栖动物19种和22种。依据食性将其划分为浮游生物食者、植食者、肉食者、杂食者和碎屑食者5种功能群,围垦潮滩各功能群物种数分别为4,5,4,3,3;自然潮滩分别为6,3,5,6,2。围垦潮滩丰度由高到低依次为植食者>浮游生物食者>肉食者>杂食者>碎屑食者;自然潮滩为浮游生物食者>杂食者>肉食者>碎屑食者>植食者。围垦潮滩季节间仅有浮游生物食者和植食者的物种数存在显著性差异,潮位间仅有植食者的丰度存在显著性差异;自然潮滩季节间仅有浮游生物食者的丰度存在显著性差异,潮位间仅有植食者的物种数和丰度无显著性差异。围垦潮滩主导功能群在各潮位均为浮游生物食者和植食者;自然潮滩主导功能群由高潮带到低潮带变化为浮游生物食者→浮游生物食者和杂食者→杂食者。围垦潮滩浮游生物食者和植食者的Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Margalef丰富度指数、Pielou均匀度指数较高,而杂食者相对较低;自然潮滩杂食者和肉食者的3种多样性指数较高,而植食者相对较低。以上结果表明：围垦潮滩和自然潮滩底栖动物功能群的组成存在一定的差别;各潮位底栖动物功能群组成的不同与生境密切相关;围垦导致底栖动物群落以及功能群发生变化。     

漩门湾围垦区外滩涂不同生境大型底栖动物功能群及其变化

为研究围垦后滩涂湿地不同生境中大型底栖动物的功能群及其变化,于2010年10月至2012年7月在漩门湾围垦区外滩涂湿地3种生境进行了8个季度的大型底栖动物采样调查。3种生境各选2条与海岸线垂直的带状断面,各断面布设5个样点,每个样点均选取4个样方,用定量采样器采集泥样。两周年定量采集共获得大型底栖动物49种,隶属5门5纲29科。依据食性类型将底栖动物划分为浮游生物食者(Planktophagous group,Pl)、植食者(Phytophagous group,Ph)、肉食者(Carnivorous group,C)、杂食者(Omnivorous group,O)和碎屑食者(Detritivorous group,D)5个功能群。结果表明,互花米草草滩(HH)各功能群的物种数分别为6、10、13、6、5种,共计40种;自然光滩(GT)分别为4、8、12、11、6种,共计41种;红树林泥滩(HS)分别为5、8、12、7、4种,共计36种。两周年3种生境内Pl和Ph始终为主导功能群,其密度和生物量均较高,且平均密度和平均生物量均是PlPh。对两周年各生境功能群的多样性指数(Margalef丰富度指数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数以及Pielou均匀度指数)进行无重复双因素方差分析表明:两周年中3种多样性指数在生境间均无显著性差异;两周年中S在功能群间均有极显著差异,第1周年H'、J在功能群间均无显著性差异,第2周年H'有极显著差异,J有显著差异。     

Evidence for consumer regulation of biofilm–nutrient interactions among hardwater streams (Pennsylvania, USA)

Experimental studies evaluating the simultaneous effects of consumers, nutrients, and other biotic/abiotic factors on intact, natural food webs are rare, particularly among ecosystems of varying trophic conditions. We conducted a series of in situ studies that used nutrient-diffusing substrata with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in a full factorial design in three temperate, limestone streams in Pennsylvania across a trophic gradient (mesotrophic, eutrophic, and hypereutrophic streams). We assessed differences in algal and macroinvertebrate biomass, taxonomic composition, and functional groups relative to amended nutrients across the trophic gradient; as such, these results facilitated predictions about regulators of food web structure. All factors varied significantly among the streams (e.g., algal biomass P = 0.005, macroinvertebrate biomass P < 0.001, algal diversity P = 0.006, macroinvertebrate diversity P < 0.001, algal group P < 0.001, macroinvertebrate guilds P < 0.001); the streams, however, did not exhibit simple responses to nutrient amendment. Algal and macroinvertebrate biomass and diversity responded greatest in the mesotrophic stream while grazing seemed to be a strong factor preventing algal nutrient response in the eutrophic and hypereutrophic streams. Brillouin’s Evenness Index was most influenced by nutrient amendment (nutrient effect on algae and macroinvertebrates P = 0.021). As such, we concluded that biomass and diversity were mediated by complexity within intermediate trophic levels.     

长江口互花米草生长区大型底栖动物的群落特征

2005年对长江口潮滩湿地互花米草(Spartina alterniflora)生长区不同季节大型底栖动物群落特征的研究表明:长江口互花米草生长区的大型底栖动物有21种,其中甲壳纲10种、多毛纲5种、腹足纲5种、辨鳃纲1种.主要种类有拟沼螺(Assiminea sp.)、背蚓虫(Notomastus latericeus)、尖锥拟蟹守螺(Cerithidea largillierli)、中国绿螂(Glauconome chinensis)、钩虾(Gammaridae sp.)等.食性功能群均以碎屑食者和植食者为主.大型底栖动物平均栖息密度为(650.5±719.2)个/m2,标准误主要是由于北湖的拟沼螺密度很大.栖息密度从大到小的顺序为沿河口梯度从内到外分布的北湖边滩、崇明东滩、金山卫边滩.大型底栖动物群落分布不均匀,沿河口梯度变化存在明显的空间差异.栖息密度和物种多样性在夏季最高,冬季最低.大型底栖动物平均生物量为(20.8±6.1)g/m2,季相变化为夏季＞秋季＞春季＞冬季.BIO-ENV分析表明沉积物粒径和盐沼高度是大型底栖动物群落特征的主要影响因素.不同研究结果的差异除了时空因素外可能与互花米草的种群动态有关.加强不同时间尺度的研究有助于正确评价互花米草对大型底栖动物的影响.     

三江源区退化高寒草甸土壤真菌群落特征

为了明确高寒草甸退化演替过程中土壤真菌物种组成、群落多样性及功能结构等的响应规律,本研究采用高通量基因测序技术和FUNGuild功能预测,分析了三江源区未退化、轻度退化、中度退化、重度退化和极度退化高寒草甸土壤真菌群落特征及其调控因子。结果表明: 高寒草甸土壤优势真菌为子囊菌门、担子菌门和被孢霉菌门。与未退化草地土壤相比,退化草地土壤真菌物种组成发生明显改变,草地退化后扇形枝孢菌、粉褶菌、锥形湿伞、丝盖伞菌和短梗蠕孢真菌丰度减少,三线镰孢菌和Dactylonectria macrodidyma真菌丰度增加。重度退化增加了土壤真菌Chao1指数,轻度退化则显著降低了真菌Shannon指数和Simpson指数。不同草地的病理型、共生型和腐生型真菌丰度均表现出显著差异;草地退化后土壤中的共生型真菌丰度减少,病理型真菌丰度增加。高寒草甸退化导致土壤真菌格局和功能发生明显改变,地上生物量、土壤含水量、pH、总有机碳、全氮、铵态氮、有效磷和全钾含量及有效氮磷比是改变真菌群落结构的主要驱动因子。     

Indirect and direct controls of macroinvertebrates and small fish by abiotic factors and trophic interactions in the Florida Everglades

1. The roles of nutrients, disturbance and predation in regulating consumer densities have long been of interest, but their indirect effects have rarely been quantified in wetland ecosystems. The Florida Everglades contains gradients of hydrological disturbance (marsh drying) and nutrient enrichment (phosphorus), often correlated with densities of macroinvertebrate infauna (macroinvertebrates inhabiting periphyton), small fish and larger invertebrates, such as snails, grass shrimp, insects and crayfish. However, most causal relationships have yet to be quantified. 2. We sampled periphyton (content and community structure) and consumer (small omnivores, carnivores and herbivores, and infaunal macroinvertebrates inhabiting periphyton) density at 28 sites spanning a range of hydrological and nutrient conditions and compared our data to seven a priori structural equation models. 3. The best model included bottom‐up and top‐down effects among trophic groups and supported top‐down control of infauna by omnivores and predators that cascaded to periphyton biomass. The next best model included bottom‐up paths only and allowed direct effects of periphyton on omnivore density. Both models suggested a positive relationship between small herbivores and small omnivores, indicating that predation was unable to limit herbivore numbers. Total effects of time following flooding were negative for all three consumer groups even when both preferred models suggested positive direct effects for some groups. Total effects of nutrient levels (phosphorus) were positive for consumers and generally larger than those of hydrological disturbance and were mediated by changes in periphyton content. 4. Our findings provide quantitative support for indirect effects of nutrient enrichment on consumers, and the importance of both algal community structure and periphyton biomass to Everglades food webs. Evidence for top‐down control of infauna by omnivores was noted, though without substantially greater support than a competing bottom‐up‐only model.     

Landward changes of soil enzyme activities in a tidal flat wetland of the Yangtze River Estuary and correlations with physico-chemical factors

The landward changes of soil enzyme activities and physico-chemical properties of the surface sediment in Chongming Dongtan of the Yangtze River Estuary, were studied. Along the elevation gradient or succession series, the contents of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and organic matter (OM) in the sediment increased, but the average grain size (AGS) of the sediment and the content of the dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) decreased. The activity of alkaline phosphatase increased gradually along the elevation gradient, and was positively correlated with the values of TP, TN and OM (P<0.05), but negatively to AGS and DIP (P<0.05). It was correlated with a mechanism of substrate inductivity and product inhibition. Catalase activity had the similar trend of gradual increase along the elevation gradient, enhancing the fertility of the soil and the oxidative process of OM in the sediment. Along the succession series, from the tidal flat to the bulrush (Scirpus mariqueter) zone, and then to the reed (Phragmites australis) zone, the activity of sucrase only changed insignificantly, but there was a higher activity in the bulrush zone than in other zones. The activity of proteinase decreased from the tidal flat to the reed zone, and the activity was negatively correlated with OM and TN (P<0.05), but positively with DIP (P<0.05). Through the succession zones a decrease in the number of diatoms resulted in a decline in the concentration of protein, which influenced the proteinase activity, suggesting that the proteinase in the sediment was produced by diatoms.     

Landward changes of soil enzyme activities in a tidal flat wetland of the Yangtze River Estuary and correlations with physico-chemical factors

The landward changes of soil enzyme activities and physico-chemical properties of the surface sediment in Chongming Dongtan of the Yangtze River Estuary, were studied. Along the elevation gradient or succession series, the contents of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and organic matter (OM) in the sediment increased, but the average grain size (AGS) of the sediment and the content of the dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) decreased. The activity of alkaline phosphatase increased gradually along the elevation gradient, and was positively correlated with the values of TP, TN and OM (P<0.05), but negatively to AGS and DIP (P<0.05). It was correlated with a mechanism of substrate inductivity and product inhibition. Catalase activity had the similar trend of gradual increase along the elevation gradient, enhancing the fertility of the soil and the oxidative process of OM in the sediment. Along the succession series, from the tidal flat to the bulrush (Scirpus mariqueter) zone, and then to the reed (Phragmites australis) zone, the activity of sucrase only changed insignificantly, but there was a higher activity in the bulrush zone than in other zones. The activity of proteinase decreased from the tidal flat to the reed zone, and the activity was negatively correlated with OM and TN (P<0.05), but positively with DIP (P<0.05). Through the succession zones a decrease in the number of diatoms resulted in a decline in the concentration of protein, which influenced the proteinase activity, suggesting that the proteinase in the sediment was produced by diatoms.     

Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the macrozoobenthos assemblage in the salt marshes of Tejo estuary (Portugal)

The present study focuses on the spatial and temporal distribution of the macroinvertebrate community of the salt marsh areas of the Tejo estuary, based on surveys conducted from autumn 1998 to summer 2000. Samples were collected quarterly in five different intertidal areas along an elevation gradient in: mudflats, creek mouths, creeks, pioneer salt marsh areas and middle marsh areas. A total of 36 benthic invertebrate taxa were identified. Insect larvae were the most well represented group, with 10 taxa identified. Oligochaetes and ostracods were the most numerically abundant taxa, whereas bivalves dominated in biomass. Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were dominated, both in number and biomass, by deposit feeders. Three distinct macroinvertebrate assemblages were distinguished along the elevation gradient, based on species presence, density and biomass: the unvegetated muddy areas with a macrobenthic assemblage composed mostly by infauna; the salt marsh pioneer areas of Spartina maritima in which several epibenthic taxa were found, as well as endobenthic taxa characteristic of muddy sediment; and the creek margins, with epifauna taxa such as insect larvae and crustaceans and a low abundance of benthic infauna. Total biomass in the unvegetated and Spartina areas was higher during spring and summer mainly due to the increase in biomass of Scrobicularia plana and Hydrobia ulvae. No decreases in the salt marsh macroinvertebrate biomass values were observed during the highest densities of their potential nektonic predators (summer). This fact might indicate that macroinvertebrates are not a limiting resource for the nektonic species, and that the natural biomass increment of these invertebrate species could be masking the predation/disturbance caused by the nektonic species.     

Benthic macroinvertebrate biomass and wildfires: evidence for enrichment of boreal subarctic lakes

1 We quantified the effects of forest fire on littoral benthic macroinvertebrate biomass on a boreal subarctic plateau in Alberta, Canada. Water chemistry and benthos were collected from six lakes, 1 and 2 years following a 1995 fire which burned about 91% of their catchments (i.e. recently burnt lakes), and from four other lakes whose catchments burned between 1961 and 1985 (i.e. previously burnt lakes). Seven lakes whose catchments had not burned since at least 1957 served as reference systems.
2 Total benthic macroinvertebrate biomass and biomass of Chironomidae were 1.5‐ and 2‐fold (P<0.05) greater within recently burnt lakes than in reference systems, whereas the biomass of Oligochaeta (P=0.06) and Amphipoda (P=0.07) were marginally higher in burnt than reference lakes. Burnt lakes had greater colour (P<0.05) and marginally (P=0.06) higher concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus than reference lakes.
3 Nutrient diffusing substrata deployed in a previously and a recently burnt lake indicated that littoral epilithic communities were co‐limited by the availability of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), although co‐limitation was stronger in the previously burnt than the recently burnt lake. Epilithic chlorophyll a on natural stone surfaces in the recently burnt lake was also 3.5 times higher (P<0.05) than that from the previously burnt lake.
4 Among all 17 lakes, total benthic biomass and biomass of Chironomidae, Amphipoda and Nematoda, were significantly (P<0.05) or marginally (P=0.06) related to soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) but not dissolved inorganic nitrogen or colour. These regressions explained between 11% and 64% of variation in benthic biomasses.
5 Linear regressions and second‐order polynomials explained 18% and 24% of the variation in concentrations of SRP and water colour with time since fire, respectively, and between 22% and 70% of variation in total biomass and biomass of the five dominant invertebrate groups. These analyses suggest that benthic biomasses continue to be elevated for about 15–20 years following fire before declining to pre‐disturbance levels.     

Changes in the functional feeding groups of macrobenthic fauna during mangrove forest succession in Zhanjiang,China

Understanding the relationships between mangrove forest succession and the functional diversity of mangrove fauna could facilitate the restoration of mangrove ecosystems, which have been severely damaged in recent decades. The current report describes changes in macrobenthic functional diversity in a mangrove chronosequence that included a primary community (unvegetated shoal), an early community (Avicennia marina), a middle community (Aegiceras corniculatum), and a late community (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza?+?Rhizophora stylosa) in Zhanjiang, China. Phytophages were the dominant macrobenthic functional feeding group regardless of mangrove succession stage, sampling season, or macrobenthic faunal parameter (species richness, abundance, and biomass). As mangrove succession progressed, the proportions of macrobenthic species richness, abundance, or biomass represented by omnivores significantly increased (except for biomass and in the late stage; ranged from 0.065 to 0.230 and 0.033 to 0.368, respectively in wet season, and 0.000 to 0.192 and 0.000 to 0.396, respectively in dry season), while the proportions significantly decreased for detritivores during the dry season (ranged from 0.156 to 0.056, 0.107 to 0.019, and 0.066 to 0.005, respectively). Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling and PERMANOVA also indicated that the structure of macrobenthic faunal functional feeding groups was significantly affected by mangrove succession. Further analyses indicated that the changes in the relative dominance among macrobenthic faunal functional feeding groups during mangrove succession were mainly associated with changes in plant density, coverage/canopy density, and total nitrogen content of sediment, i.e., they were mostly associated with changes in food sources. The results increase our understanding of the relationship between benthic functional diversity and mangrove succession and could help guide mangrove restoration in China and around the world.     

冬水田典型生境类型节肢动物群落多样性及生物量特征

为了掌握休耕季节不同生境冬水田节肢动物群落多样性及生物量特征,于2017年2—4月在重庆市璧山区通过陷阱法对3类冬水田耕作区及期9个小区生境进行了定点调查,分别为水稻和蔬菜及荒地耕作区、水稻和蔬菜耕作区及水稻和林地耕作区。共捕获节肢动物108367只,隶属于3纲119科(种)。Berger-Parker优势度指数表明,冬水田节肢动物群落以罕见或稀少种(类群)数量最多以及优势类群数量稀少且突出为最基本特征,圆科和长角科是最主要的优势类群。节肢动物密度和生物量的百分比分析表明,腐食者和捕食者是节肢动物群落的主要功能团;弹尾虫以及不同种类蜘蛛和天敌昆虫类群分别构成了腐食者和捕食者中的主要类群(种)。3类冬水田及其小区节肢动物群落主要功能团密度和生物量以及群落Shannon-Wiener多样性指数(H′)、Margalef丰富度指数(D)、Pielou均匀度指数(J)和Simpson优势集中性指数(C)均有明显的规律变化,且出现了显著性差异(P0.05);节肢动物群落及其主要功能团腐食者和植食者分别在密度和生物量间,以及捕食者与其猎物腐食者和植食者在生物量上都具显著的相关性(P0.05)。群落相似性及相关性分析显示,3类冬水田及其小区节肢动物群落组成总体上差异明显,显然受到了稻田生境及耕作/管理等非生物因素的影响;其中生境类型(FH)作用最大,其次是蓄水量(EWQ)、稻桩生物(BR)、种植模式(PP)和收割方式(HM);它们与节肢动物群落密度及参数H′、D和C,以及腐食者密度和生物量、捕食者密度等显著正相关或负相关(P0.05)。主成分及聚类分析结果进一步指出,3类冬水田的生境异质性差异较大,这与它们小区在节肢动物群落密度(AI)、腐食者密度(DI)及FH等生物和非生物因素上的较大不同有关。总之,3类冬水田主要营养链“水稻秸秆-腐食者-捕食者”中存在不同程度的级联效应;弹尾虫作为该效应中腐食者的代表承担着冬水田“关键或中心”节肢动物类群具有的双重生态功能;不同冬水田及其小区节肢动物群落多样性及生物量特征差异明显,这与FH、EWQ、BR、PP和HM等非生物因素密切相关。