the effect of plant coverage on macro-invertebrate density and diversity in the intertidal zone
DESCRIPTION
The effect of plant coverage on macro-invertebrate density and diversity in the intertidal zone. Sarah Park, Bailey Shuttleworth Cucinelli, James Holobow, and Jenna Shaw. Introduction. Ecologically important region Few studies on the effects of flora on faunal biodiversity - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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The effect of plant coverage on macro-invertebrate density and diversity in the intertidal
zone
Sarah Park, Bailey Shuttleworth Cucinelli,
James Holobow, and Jenna Shaw
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Introduction● Ecologically important region
● Few studies on the effects of flora on faunal biodiversity
● Goal: provide greater understanding of marine interactions
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Indian Point
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Green’s Point
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Bar Road
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Ascophyllum nodosum
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Fucus vesiculosus
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Polysiphonia lanosa
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Fauna
Littorina obtusataLittorina littorea Thais lapillus
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FaunaBalanus balanoides Gammarus oceanicus
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Invertebrate Density
● L. obtusata and G. oceanicus live in patches of seaweed
● L. littorea feed on algae
● B. balanoides and T. lapillus seek shelter from wave action
● Large and aggregated vegetation shelter greater number of invertebrates
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Hypothesis 1:
● Amount of plant cover on intertidal regions of the Bay of Fundy is positively correlated with invertebrate density.
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Invertebrate Biodiversity
● High biodiversity → stable and productive communities
● Schooner (1974): niche diversification/complex habitats may increase species richness○ quantify habitat complexity?
● Gunnill (1982): artificial increase and diversity may decrease with increased plant cover
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Hypothesis 2:
● Amount of plant cover on intertidal regions of the Bay of Fundy is negatively correlated with invertebrate biodiversity.
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Materials● line transect● 1 m quadrat● 25 cm quadrat● plastic collection bags for
samples
● ten sites over 100 m● constant altitude● surface species were
collected ● identified in the lab
Methods
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Results
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Discussion Indian Point
● Lowest plant cover (3.9 samples/m2)● Second largest fauna density (173.1
samples/m2)● Second highest diversity
(H’=0.307)Hypothesis 1: Not AcceptedHypothesis 2: Accepted
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Discussion Green’s Point
● Largest plant cover (42.8 samples/m2)● Lowest fauna density (97.2 samples/m2)● Greatest diversity (H’=0.683)
Hypothesis 1: Not AcceptedHypothesis 2: Not Accepted
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Discussion Bar Road
● Second Highest plant cover (7.2 samples/m2)
● Largest fauna density (275.8 samples/m2)● Lowest diversity (H’=0.088)Hypothesis 1: AcceptedHypothesis 2: Accepted
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Sources of Error
• hard to distinguish holdfasts in high density of plants
• distance from the water’s edge was not measured
• inconsistent tide phase• time restriction
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Conclusion
- Our study did not produce concrete results - Overall data is inconsistent- Multiple factors (abiotic/biotic) influence invertebrate density/diversity.