Diversity of Molluscan Assemblage in Relation to Biotic and Abiotic Variables in Brown Algal Forests.

ABSTRACT: Canopy-forming macroalgae, mainly those belonging to the order Fucales, form the so-called brown algal forests, which are among the most productive assemblages in shallow coastal zones. Their vertical, branching canopies increase nearshore primary production, provide nursery areas for juvenile fish, and sustain understory assemblages of smaller algae and both sessile and vagile fauna. The majority of benthic invertebrates inhabiting these forests have larval stages that spend some time floating freely or swimming in the plankton. Therefore, canopy-forming macroalgae play an important role as species collectors related to larval supply and hydrodynamic processes. During the past several decades, brown algal forests have significantly reduced their extension and coverage in the Mediterranean

SUBMITTER: Orlando-Bonaca M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9415959 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature