Impact of laboratory-imposed physical disturbance on the abundance of four isolates of marine gymnamoebae |
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Authors: | P R Cowie F Hannah |
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Institution: | (1) University Marine Biological Station, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, KA28 OEG, Scotland |
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Abstract: | Four species of gymnamoebae isolated from a sandy shore were subjected to physical disturbance within sand microcosms containing
either 250 or 125 μm sand. Firstly, the effect of two different strengths of physical disturbance on amoebae populations within
sand was investigated. Secondly, whether the size of sand grains occupied by amoebae populations changed their response to
disturbance events was assessed. Highest abundances of amoebae were recorded in control flasks containing 125 μm sand. Increasing
the strength of disturbance decreased the abundance of all four species. Abundances of the two smallest isolates (Platyamoeba sp. and a limax amoeba) were least affected by increasing disturbance. The greatest decrease in abundance was observed in
populations of two larger (>15 μm) Mayorella sp. and Vannella sp. The greatest impact of physical disturbance was seen on populations within 250 μm sand. This study shows that physical
disturbance may be an important community structuring force within natural marine gymnamoebae communities. |
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