Diversity and community structure of kinorhynchs around Svalbard: first insights into spatial patterns and environmental drivers

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2019Source: Zoologischer AnzeigerAuthor(s): Katarzyna Grzelak, Martin V. SørensenAbstractKinorhyncha is usually one of the more neglected groups in meiofauna ecology. Although their presence is frequently reported in a number of ecological meiofaunal studies, knowledge on their taxonomic composition and distribution at the local and regional scale is very limited. Particularly for the Arctic region, no comprehensive ecological description of kinorhynch communities has yet existed. To address this gap in our knowledge, we compared kinorhynch community structure in different localities: in the region north of Svalbard, in the Barents Sea and four Spitsbergen fjords. Sample locations covered a wide depth gradient from 300 up to 2200 m and different environmental regimes. We analysed over 4000 individuals among which 18 species belonging to 4 genera and 2 families were identified. The most common species were Echinoderes drogoni and E. angustus, while the most dominant species was E. eximus. Patterns of species abundance and shift in their occurrence across the stations were pronounced, with notable distinctions between regions. Three distinct kinorhynch assemblages were observed: ‘fjord assemblage’ dominated by E. eximus and characterized by the highest standing stock and diversity; ‘open water assemblage’ with E. arlis as dominant species and ‘north of Svalbard assemblage’ characterized by the presence of E. drogoni and E. ...
Source: A Journal of Comparative Zoology - Category: Zoology Source Type: research