Composition, distribution, biomass and production of North Sea meiofauna
Heip, C.H.R.; Huys, R.; Vincx, M.; Vanreusel, A.; Smol, N.; Herman, R.; Herman, P.M.J. (1990). Composition, distribution, biomass and production of North Sea meiofauna. Neth. J. Sea Res. 26(2-4): 333-342. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0077-7579(90)90095-X
In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, more
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Keywords |
Aquatic communities > Benthos > Meiobenthos Biological production Composition > Community composition Distribution > Geographical distribution Population characteristics > Biomass ANE, North Sea [Marine Regions] Marine/Coastal |
Abstract |
The distribution and composition of meiofaunal assemblages in the North Sea is described. Only the coastal areas of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany are relatively well known, especially for nematodes and copepods. Characteristic assemblages may be described which are closely linked to sediment composition. Knowledge on other groups is scarce everywhere. Temporal distribution data are even scarcer. One study on copepods shows large specific variation. Direct production measurements of North Sea meiofauna do not exist but indirect information based on respiration, body weight and life-history may be used to estimate an energy consumption in the order of magnitude of 10 g C.m -2.a -1. |
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