Interactive effects of herbivory and substrate orientation on algal community dynamics on a coral reef.

ABSTRACT: Herbivory is a significant driver of algal community dynamics on coral reefs. However, abiotic factors such as the complexity and orientation of the benthos often mediate the impact of herbivores on benthic communities. We experimentally evaluated the independent and interactive effects of substrate orientation and herbivorous fishes on algal community dynamics on a coral reef in the Florida Keys, USA. We created horizontal and vertical substrates, mimicking the trend in the reduction of vertical surfaces of coral reefs, to assess how algal communities developed either with herbivory (open areas) or without herbivory (herbivore exclosures). We found that substrate orientation was the dominant influence on macroalgal community composition. Herbivores had little impact on community developme

SUBMITTER: Duran A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6153878 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature