Global patterns of macroinvertebrate biomass in marine intertidal communities

摘要: We examine global patterns of benthic macroinvertebrate biomass and its distribution among functional feeding guilds in marine intertidal cOnmlunities. Variation ash-free dry was related to physical variables (mean annual air water temperatures, sediment grain size, inter- tidal slope, tide range type, wave height exposure) by least-squares regression analysis data for 36 rocky shores 245 sedimentary shores. Linear combinations explain up 44 % the variance total on 40 Grain size exposure are best single predictors sedi- mentary shores, respectively. Biomass estimates peak temperate regions an order magnitude higher than In fact, attains levels 10 100 times those documented other environments. Suspension feeders tend dominate commu- nities (they typically comprise> 30 60 biomass), reflecting importance benthic-pelagic coupling these ecosystems. Contrary consumer stress models shores,. there is no compelling evidence limitation grazers carnivores at high exposure.