Vertical Distribution of Meiobenthos in Bathyal Sediments of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: Relationship with Labile Organic Matter and Bacterial Biomasses |
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Authors: | Roberto Danovaro Mauro Fabiano Giancarlo Albertelli Norberto Della Croce |
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Institution: | Instituto di Scienze Ambientali Marine, Universitàdi Genova, Corso Rainusso 14. 1–16038 S. Margherita L. (Genova), Italy.;Cattedra di Biologia Marina, Facoltádi Scienze, Universitádi Ancona, Via Brecce Bianche, 1–60131 Ancona, Italy.;Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia Marina, Universitádi Messina. Contrada Sperone Papardo 31, 1–98166 Messina, Italy. |
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Abstract: | Abstract. Quantitative information on the vertical distribution of meiofaunal abundances and biomass were obtained from samples collected at 3 bathyal stations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea located at the same depth but characterized by different food supply. Vertical distribution patterns of nieiofauna were investigated in relation to the biochemical composition of the sediment organic matter (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and compared to benthic bacterial standing stocks. No significant relationship between bacteria and meiofauna was found, whereas a significant relationship between protein and lipid concentrations and total meiofauna density was observed. These data suggest that labile organic matter. considered as material readily aVdihbk to benthic consumers, may be an important factor regulating meiofaunal abundance and vertical distribution in deep-sea sediments. |
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Keywords: | Vertical distribution meiofauna bacterial biomasses labile organic matter Eastern Mediterranean |
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