Macrobenthos Recruitment.pdf

The recruitment success of four macrobenthic species (Macoma balthica, Cerastoderma edule, Nereis diversicolor, and Pygospio elegans) was investigated in response to community-mediated differences in sediment characteristics. The study found that species feeding on microphytobenthos (MPB) grew significantly faster in hypoxic patches with higher food supply and lower physical stress. The growth rate was positively related to the MPB contribution to the diet, suggesting lower interference competition for food. The study also found that lower post-settlement dispersal in more stable treatments contributed to higher cohort production of M. balthica, N. diversicolor, and P. elegans. The results highlight the importance of biotic-physical interactions in affecting benthic primary production and sediment stability, which are crucial for tidal flat macrobenthic community distribution and functioning. Key findings include:

Species relying heavily on MPB (e.g., M. balthica) grew faster in hypoxic patches with higher food supply.
Lower physical stress and interference competition for food contributed to faster growth rates.
Lower post-settlement dispersal in more stable treatments increased cohort production.
Biotic-physical interactions affecting benthic primary production and sediment stability are crucial for macrobenthic community distribution and functioning.