Spatial patterns and predictor variables vary among different types of primary producers and consumers in eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds.

ABSTRACT: Eelgrass (Zostera marina) forms extensive beds in coastal and estuarine environments and provides various ecosystem functions. The aboveground part of eelgrass provides habitats for other types of primary producers such as epiphytic microalgae and for epifaunal invertebrate grazers. Because of the different sizes, generation times and resource requirements, these different types of producers and consumers may be affected by different sets of biotic/abiotic factors over multiple spatial scales. We examined the spatial variations in three functional groups of eelgrass beds (eelgrass, epiphytic microalgae and epifaunal invertebrates) and the abiotic/biotic factors responsible for these variations in three lagoons with different environmental properties at the eastern region of Hokkaido Island

SUBMITTER: Namba M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6080780 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature