CAJ | 학술논문

This study contributes with the first data on physical and taxonomical structure of macrofaunal assemblages of ma(e)rl beds from the Canary Islands.Ma(e)rl beds and Cymodocea nodosa meadows of the Canary Islands arc considered biodiversity hot-spots in terms of taxonomic and functional biodiversity with a broad geographical and depth ranges.The authors have studied the structure of the macrofaunal assemblages on different habitat types (Cymodocea,Caulerpa,sabcllid field,garden eel and ma(e)rl beds).Samples were taken at a range of depths between 14 and 46 m.Correlations were performed among abiotic variables (granulometry,organic matter,nitrogen and phosphates)and the most abundant taxa.Similarity analysis was performed to explore the patchiness of scabeds at a local scale.Significant differences were found in macrofaunal assemblages among seabed types,with highest abundances and lowest biodiversity in sabellid fields,where the sabellid Bispira viola dominated.The polychaetes Aponuphis bilineata and Chone filicauda and the mollusc Turritella brochii were the most abundant taxa on ma(e)rl beds.The mosaic of granulometric conditions would explain the associated macroinfaunal community structure and contribute to the creation of diversity on these relatively well preserved seabeds at a local scale.