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Nematode diversity and its relation to the quantity and quality of sedimentary organic matter in the deep Nazaré Canyon, Western Iberian Margin
Ingels, J.; Kiriakoulakis, K.; Wolff, G.A.; Vanreusel, A. (2009). Nematode diversity and its relation to the quantity and quality of sedimentary organic matter in the deep Nazaré Canyon, Western Iberian Margin. Deep-Sea Res., Part 1, Oceanogr. Res. Pap. 56(9): 1521-1539. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2009.04.010
In: Deep-Sea Research, Part I. Oceanographic Research Papers. Elsevier: Oxford. ISSN 0967-0637; e-ISSN 1879-0119
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 152218 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Benthos > Meiobenthos
    Deep sea
    Nematodes
    Organic matter
    Sedimentary deposits
    Species diversity
    Topographic features > Submarine features > Submarine canyons
    Nematoda [WoRMS]
    ANE, Europe, Iberian Peninsula [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Nazaré; Submarine canyons; Deep sea; Meiobenthos; Nematodes; Sedimentary organic matter; Diversity; Western Iberian Margin
Authors  Top 
  • Ingels, J.
  • Kiriakoulakis, K.
  • Wolff, G.A.
  • Vanreusel, A.
Abstract
    Samples collected in the deep Nazaré Canyon and at the adjacent slope, during the HERMES RRS Discovery D297 cruise (2005), were analysed for metazoan meiofauna, nematode structure and diversity and its relation to quality and quantity of sedimentary organic material. The amount and quality of organic matter available for direct consumption was much higher in the canyon compared to the slope and positively correlated with high nematode abundances (795-1171 ind. 10cm-2) and biomass (93.2-343.5 µg dry weight 10cm-2), thus leading to higher standing stocks. Canyon nematode assemblages also showed particular adaptations (e.g. higher trophic complexity, variability of nematode morphology, and presence of opportunistic genera) to canyon conditions, particularly in the deeper sediment layers. The Nazaré Canyon’s nematode diversity was slightly lower than that of the adjacent slope and its assemblages were characterised by a higher dominance of certain genera. Still, the canyon contributes considerably to total Western Iberian Margin diversity due to different assemblages present compared to the slope. Furthermore, the harsh conditions in terms of hydrodynamic disturbance and the high organic matter flux are likely to have a negative impact on the establishment of species rich meiobenthic communities, especially in the canyon axis.
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