Multi-scale interactions between local hydrography, seabed topography, and community assembly on cold-water coral reefs

摘要: We investigated how interactions between hydrography, topography and species ecology influence the assembly of functional traits across multiple spatial scales a cold-water coral reef seascape. In novel approach for these ecosystems, we used spatially resolved complex three-dimensional flow model hydrography to help explain patterns. Forward-selection distance-based Moran's eigenvector mapping (dbMEM) variables identified two submodels at which communities change: broad-scale (across reef) fine-scale (within reef). Variance partitioning bathymetric hydrographic gradients important in creating traits. contrast, was related more processes that created autocorrelated patches fauna, such as philopatric recruitment sessile social food supply scavenging detritivores mobile predators. Our study shows habitat modification connectivity by bottom fishing renewable energy installations could alter structure function an entire