Soil nematode functional diversity, successional patterns, and indicator taxa associated with vertebrate decomposition hotspots.

ABSTRACT: Decomposition of vertebrate remains is a dynamic process that creates localized soil enrichment zones. A growing body of literature has documented effects of vertebrate decomposition on soil pH, electrical conductivity, oxygen levels, nitrogen and carbon speciation, microbial biomass, and microbial successional patterns. However, relatively few studies have examined the microfaunal members of the soil food web that function as secondary consumers, specifically nematodes. Nematodes are often used as indicators of enrichment in other systems, and initial observations from vertebrate decomposition zones have indicated there is an effect on nematode communities. Our goal was to catalog decomposition-induced nematode succession and changes to alpha, beta, and functional diversity, and identify

SUBMITTER: Taylor LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7641364 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature