Multi-trophic markers illuminate the understanding of the functioning of a remote, low coral cover Marquesan coral reef food web.

ABSTRACT: We studied the food web structure and functioning of a coral reef ecosystem in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, characterized by low coral cover, high sea surface temperature and meso- to eutrophic waters. The Marquesas constitute a relevant ecosystem to understand the functioning of low diversity reefs that are also subject to global change. A multi-tracer assessment of organic matter pathways was run to delineate ecosystem functioning, using analysis of fatty acids, bulk and compound specific stable isotope analysis and stable isotopes mixing models. Macroalgae and phytoplankton were the two major food sources fueling this food web with, however, some marked seasonal variations. Specifically, zooplankton relied on phytoplankton-derived organic matter and herbivorous fishes on mac

SUBMITTER: Fey P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8545934 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature