Spatial heterogeneity and niche differentiation in oceanic zooplankton |
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Authors: | Williams R. |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Science, Antarctic Division, 7050 Kingston, Tasmania, Australia;(2) Present address: Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, GPO Box 636, 2601 Canberra, Australia |
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Abstract: | Selected epifaunal and infaunal species from three sites of differing substrate were examined over a 12 month period. The characteristic species comprising the epifauna at each site were found to be dictated by substrate type whereas the infaunal amphipods and tanaids were relatively similar between sites. No distinct seasonality of abundance was noted for the macroscopic species; however, the infaunal amphipods and tanaids exhibited distinct seasonal cycles of abundance. These temporal changes in population size can be correlated with the seasonal cycle of primary producers. Females, of each of the infaunal species that were monitored, exhibited brood protection throughout the winter period and released juveniles at times that coincided with the period of high primary productivity. All species exhibited properties characteristic of K-strategists; a result of the very stable and predictable nature of the antarctic benthic environment. |
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Keywords: | antarctic benthos seasonality brooding reproductive strategy |
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