BENTHIC STUDIES IN BUZZARDS BAY II. THE MEIOFAUNA1

摘要: During the summer of 1957 a study small metazoans (meiofauna), based on series Phleger core samples, Massachusetts. was undertaken at three stations in Buzzards Bay, The number animals ranged from 1.69 x lo5 to 1.86 106/m2, dry weights varied approximately 100 600 mg/m2. nematodes and kinorhynchs, which comprised between 89 99% total mieofauna, were studied detail. sandy localities ( P J ) characterized by restricted this habitat, particularly representatives genus Odontophora all LeptonemeZZa. locality rich fine deposits (station R) relative abundance several nematodes, Terschellingia Zongicaudata, kinorhynch species. It possible recognize an Odontophora-LeptonemeZZu community habitats, TerschelZingia Zongicaudata-Trachydemus mainensis (kinorhynch) silty former being equivalent Ampelisca community, latter Nucula proximaNephthys in&a described for macrofauna same area. However, these “communities” can also be considered as two ecological groups species, dependent presence sand, that deposits, actually live side side, forming intricate meshwork faunal combinations. Each combination is determined amounts sand present. uniformity nematode fauna within each station greater than different stations. Most important determining degree paired samples similarity their silt-clay content. other mechanical factors play role. An analysis species composition revealed Zongicaudata most abundant R, whereas there or four equally dominant This interpreted indicating splitting up habitat into subhabitats. simultaneous occurrence closely related environment further supports conjecture. distribution “buccal types” amongst correlated with sediments.