Spatial diversity of nematode and copepod genera of the coral degradation zone along the Kenyan coast, including a test for the use of higher-taxon surrogacy

摘要: The biodiversity of meiofauna in the coral degradation zone along Kenyan coast was examined with special emphasis on most abundant taxa, Copepoda and Nematoda. Communities from three microhabitat types (coralline sediment, gravel fragments) at two locations (Watamu Tiwi Beach) were analysed. total number meiofaunal taxa higher than any other tropical studied so far, but lower a cold-water zone. Meiofaunal community composition mainly structured local scale, although type also had an effect Watamu. Copepod nematode communities exhibited comparable trends biodiversity. coralline sediment generally characterised by genus richness microhabitats, fragments consistently low evenness. Differential susceptibility to hydrodynamic disturbance is proposed as explanation. Coral contributed considerably diversity terms copepod genera. It therefore recommended include this future studies lagoons. Trends bio similar for genera families. use family-level identifications fast screening comparison biological endorsed study. Keywords: copepods; zone; Kenya; nematodes; spatial African Journal Marine Science 2008, 30 (1): 25–33