Volta

Wide variation in a tiny space: The microdistribution of meiobenthos in an artificial pond

Abstract Meiofauna play an important ecological role in benthic ecosystems. However, little is known about their small‐scale (<1 m2) distribution. Yet, this knowledge has both theoretical implications, by improving our understanding of how processes generate patterns; and practical outcomes by improving sampling designs. The goal of this study was to obtain insights into the small‐scale distribution of meiofaunal invertebrates dwelling in the sediment of a lentic ecosystem (in this study, an artificial pond). We addressed this aim at coarse and fine taxonomical levels using meiofaunal groups and nematode species assemblages, respectively. For this purpose, 225 sediment samples were collected over a surface of 729 cm2 using a straw corer. Spatial patterns (dispersion index) and the typical patch sizes of the …

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