bellgrove-influenceofcanopy-2019.pdf (3.68 MB)
The influence of canopy cover on the ecological function of a key autogenic ecosystem engineer
journal contribution
posted on 2019-05-01, 00:00 authored by Jacqueline B Pocklington, Michael J Keough, Tim D O’Hara, Alecia BellgroveAlecia BellgroveIntertidal fucoid algae can function as ecosystem engineers across temperate marine regions. In this investigation, we assessed the function of the alga dominating rocky reefs in temperate Australia and New Zealand, Hormosira banksii. Invertebrate and algal species assemblages were examined within areas of full H. banksii canopy, areas where it was naturally patchy or absent (within its potential range on the shore) and areas where the intact canopy was experimentally disturbed. Differences in species assemblages were detected between areas with natural variation in H. banksii cover (full, patchy, negligible), with defined species associated with areas of full cover. Differences were also detected between experimentally manipulated and naturally patchy areas of canopy cover. Species assemblages altered in response to canopy manipulations and did not recover even twelve months after initial sampling. Both light intensity and temperature were buffered by full canopies compared to patchy canopies and exposed rock. This study allows us to predict the consequences to the intertidal community due to the loss of canopy cover, which may result from a range of disturbances such as trampling, storm damage, sand burial and prolonged exposure to extreme temperature, and further allow for improved management of this key autogenic ecosystem engineer.
History
Journal
DiversityVolume
11Issue
5Article number
79Pagination
1 - 26Publisher
MDPILocation
Basel, SwitzerlandPublisher DOI
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eISSN
1424-2818Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2019, the authorsUsage metrics
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Keywords
macroalgaefacilitationdisturbanceinvertebratesintertidal reefScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineBiodiversity ConservationEcologyBiodiversity & ConservationEnvironmental Sciences & EcologyHORMOSIRA-BANKSII FUCALESASCOPHYLLUM-NODOSUMSPATIAL VARIATIONROCKY COASTCOMMUNITYHABITATALGAASSEMBLAGEINTENSITYDistributed ComputingEcology
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