Benthic Polychaeta of the Middle Atlantic Bight: feeding and distribution
Gaston, G.R. (1987). Benthic Polychaeta of the Middle Atlantic Bight: feeding and distribution. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 36(3): 251-262
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more
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| Keywords |
Biology > Organism morphology > Animal morphology
Classification systems
Distribution > Ecological distribution
Feeding
Polychaeta [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
Data on feeding biology was used to investigate distribution patterns of benthic polychaetes of the Middle Atlantic Bight off the United States East Coast. Feeding biology classifications used in the analyses were based on (1) gut-contents analayses of polychaetes collected in the study area; and (2) recent publications regarding polychaete feeding. Proportion of carnivorous polychaetes was greatest in coarser sediments, and decreased significantly with water depth across the continental shelf. Surface-deposit feeders numerically dominated most habitats. Feeding and motility categories were generally more useful in distinguishing habitats that were morphology categories. Apparently, distribution and abundance of surface-deposit feeders were regulated by food resources from water-column production, and distribution of sessile polychaetes was limited primarily by physical disturbance. |
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