Habitat Provision for Meiofauna by Fucus serratus Epifauna with Particular Data on the Flatworm Monocelis lineata |
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| Authors: | Pat J S Boaden |
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| Institution: | The Queen's University of Belfast School of Biology and Biochemistry, Marine Biology Station, Portaferry, Co. Down, BT22 IPF, Northern Ireland, U.K. |
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| Abstract: | Abstract. Fucus serratus provides a habitable site For much epifauna if conditions are right. Epifaunal colonies in their turn as well Provide habitats in which meiofauna can dwell. Thus micro-environment is provided which is Dependent on colony-species, -size and silt for its riches. Analysis of population data shows the facts are Turbellarian abundance rarely relates to other taxa, However the flatworms' population count Closely relates to total meiofaunal amount. Experiments on bryozoan-choice by Monocelis lineata show This worm prefers Flustrellidra as a place to go. This may in part be due to thigmotactic deference But mainly seems related to a feeding preference. In addition to behaviour towards food and concavity, Responses are shown to light, temperature, current and gravity. In the discussion thus it is partly explained How meiofauna finds epifauna and there is maintained. |
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| Keywords: | Fucus serratus meiofauna epifauna Turbellaria Monocelis lineata |
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