The distribution of sublittoral macrofauna communitites in the Bristol Channel in relation to the substrate
Warwick, R.M.; Davies, J.R. (1977). The distribution of sublittoral macrofauna communitites in the Bristol Channel in relation to the substrate. Estuar. Coast. Mar. Sci. 5: 267-288
In: Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science. Academic Press: London. ISSN 0302-3254; e-ISSN 1878-3023, more
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| Keywords |
Composition > Community composition
Habitat
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Warwick, R.M., more
- Davies, J.R.
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| Abstract |
Grab and dredge samples have been collected on a grid of 155 sublittoral stations in the Bristol Channel. The faunal data have been analysed using a hierarchical sorting technique to cluster stations with similar spp compositions. At a similarity level of 18%, groups of stations with a spp composition similar to the classical Petersen communities were defined. 3 of Petersen's communities were recognized in the outer part of the Channel, the Venus, Abra and Modiolus communities. The fauna of the inner part of the Channel is reduced and does not correspond with any previously recognized community type. Possible causes for this faunal reduction are discussed. The substrate distribution and the macrofaunal community distribution are mapped. Side-scan sonograms are shown to be a useful adjunct to the interpretation of faunal distributions. |
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