Structuring effects of chemicals from the sea fan Phyllogorgia dilatata on benthic communities.

ABSTRACT: Despite advances in understanding the ecological functions of secondary metabolites from marine organisms, there has been little focus on the influence of chemically-defended species at the community level. Several compounds have been isolated from the gorgonian octocoral Phyllogorgia dilatata, a conspicuous species that forms dense canopies on rocky reefs of northern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Manipulative experiments were performed to study: (1) the effects of live colonies of P. dilatata (physical presence and chemistry) on recruitment of sympatric benthic organisms; (2) the allelopathic effects of its chemicals on competitors; and (3) chemotactic responses of the non-indigenous brittle star, Ophiothela mirabilis. Early establishment of benthic species was influe

SUBMITTER: Ribeiro FV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5382925 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature