Metre-scale vertical zonation of corals and sponges on a deep-marine cliff reflects trophic resource partitioning.

ABSTRACT: Corals and sponges are considered foundational species and can create biodiversity hotspots in the deep sea, yet little is known of their competitive interactions, particularly with respect to resource partitioning among benthic fauna. Here we report on the feeding ecology of deep-water corals, sponges, ascidians, and anemones from a ~ 450 m deep submarine canyon wall off Nova Scotia, Canada. Analysis of bulk stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen confirms isotopic niche partitioning between species despite their physical proximity. Compound-specific nitrogen isotopes of amino acids (δ¹⁵N-AA) separated the taxa along continua of trophic position and benthic-pelagic coupling and resolve the conspicuously enriched bulk nitrogen patterns commonly observed in sponges. Radiocarbon da

SUBMITTER: Greenman W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11861900 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature