Organic carbon and nitrogen source of sunken wood communities on continental shelves around Japan inferred from stable isotope ratios

摘要: Abstract The food source for animals associated with sunken wood on the deep-sea floor has not been clearly identified. In present study, we analyzed carbon- and nitrogen-stable isotope ratios of these to clarify (a) whether or species that are potentially able ingest (direct user) really digest use it as their in situ , (b) is organic cannot feed directly (indirect user). average isotopic values direct user, wood-boring bivalves, were δ 13 C:−24.14±0.38‰ ( n =13) 15 N:4.05±0.27‰ =11). value N was close host (1.97±1.87‰ =7)) lower than suspended particles assumed from suspension feeding species, suggesting users do either nitrogen source. Given ambient gas (δ N: around 0.5‰), bacteria symbiotic user appear autotrophically fix probably major user. C −26.85±1.13‰ =7), carbon On other hand, indirect (−23.29±0.99‰ =27)) distinctly higher they considered matter derived both phytoplankton wood.