engleski

The nematode fauna of the northern Adriatic offshore sediments: community structure and diversity

In order to provide the comparative source of data for local (Adriatic Sea) and regional (Mediterranean) biodiversity, as well as for future environmental quality assessments, the pattern of nematode fauna community structure at the silty-sand offshore sediment was investigated. The qualitative and quantitative composition of nematofauna was studied at three northern Adriatic offshore sites associated with circalittoral zone and detritic bottom communities. Study involved the main population parameters (density, dominance, constancy) and community attributes (taxonomic composition, abundance, species richness, evenness, diversity, faunistic affinity). From 57 samples collected during two years 12350 Nematoda specimens were picked out and subjected to spatial analysis. The results of multivariate analyses indicate high faunistic similarity, both from qualitative (QS = 68-76 %) and quantitative aspects (QS = 48-56 %). Mutual intersection of k-dominance curves suggested the same trend of distribution of individuals per species at all sites investigated. In all, 168 free-living nematode species, comprised in 101 genera and 29 families were recorded. The area investigated is distinguished by considerable taxonomic diversity, and respectable species richness (60% of total nematofauna species) in comparison to other Adriatic regions.

Nematoda ; northern Adriatic ; silty-sand sediment ; community structure ; diversity

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