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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Evidence of surplus carrying capacity for benthic invertebrates with the poleward range extension of the tropical seagrass Halophila decipiens in SE Brazil

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Author(s):
Pavone, Carla B. [1, 2] ; Gorman, Daniel [3] ; Flores, Augusto A. V. [2]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Marine Biol, Sao Sebastiao, SP - Brazil
[3] CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Indian Ocean Marine Res Ctr, Crawley, WA - Australia
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH; v. 162, DEC 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Seagrasses may enhance the abundance and diversity of benthic invertebrates through trophic facilitation. We investigated this potential ecological function for two seagrasses in SE Brazil: Halodule emarginata, a native species, and Halophila decipiens, a tropical seagrass recently established in the region. At Halophila sites, the organic matter (or carbon) in sediments decreased steadily from seagrass patches to isolated bare grounds, indicating surplus primary production. This was not observed at Halodule sites. At one of the two Halophila sites, localized trophic enrichment was also consistently linked to increased invertebrate abundance within patches, chiefly through increased carrying capacity of small mesoherbivores. Rather than spillover, edge effects were observed at bordering bare habitats, where polychaete predators were abundant. The transition from seagrass edges to isolated bare habitats was marked by an increase of the density of sipunculid worms. The current spread of Halophila may thus change the spatial distribution of benthic ecological functions. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/26064-3 - Evaluation of the current and future potential for Marine Protected Areas (MPa) to safeguard the biodiversity, function and resilience of subtidal rocky seascapes in subtropical Brazil
Grantee:Daniel Gorman
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
FAPESP's process: 18/06162-6 - Evaluation of the current and future potential for marine protected areas (MPa) to safeguard the biodiversity, function and resilience of subtidal rocky seascapes in subtropical Brazil
Grantee:Daniel Gorman
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
FAPESP's process: 18/11044-2 - Functional ecology of seagrasses and canopy-forming algae: trophic subsidies to demersal consumers
Grantee:Augusto Alberto Valero Flores
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants