Benthic community structure and function along salinity and elevation gradients in the Humber Estuary

Jones, Kate

Abstract

Biological Traits Analysis (BTA) is increasingly being applied together with taxonomic and structural analysis in marine and estuarine studies of the benthos, to link species characteristics to ecosystem function. An investigation was made of benthic community structure and function along salinity and elevation gradients in the Humber Estuary, UK. The project aim was to establish whether community structure and function changed along either gradient. Samples were taken at three sites from inner to outer estuary and analysed in terms of abundance, biomass, diversity, species richness and taxonomic composition. Biological Traits Analysis (BTA) was applied to the same data, selecting thirteen traits with links to ecosystem functioning. Most aspects of community structure differed with change in abiotic gradient, particularly species richness, biomass and taxonomic composition. BTA results were similar, showing different profiles of trait expression along the salinity gradient, and along elevation gradients at two sites. Traits that showed clear sensitivity to abiotic factors, as well as links to function, were bioturbation, feeding traits, habitat, body size and reproductive traits. Although trait profiles changed, a loss of function was not always apparent as differences were in terms of proportions rather than presence or absence. Potential functional loss was indicated in some cases, particularly where traits with links bioturbatory activities were absent. Overall, BTA did not give a particularly different result to taxonomic analysis but it did show potential, with development, to increase understanding of benthic community links to ecosystem function.

Citation

Jones, K. Benthic community structure and function along salinity and elevation gradients in the Humber Estuary. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4216400

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 11, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Biological sciences
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4216400
• Additional Information: Department of Biological, Biomedical And Environmental Sciences, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Apr 1, 2014