Abstract
ABSTRACT For conserving sandy beaches, it is important to manage beach-sediment dynamics and preserve animals living there. Sandy beach invertebrate animals are characterized by high mobility, such as surfing clams and swimming crustaceans living in the foreshore swash environment. On the other hand, there are abundant invertebrates, such as polychaete worms and ghost crabs, living in beach sediments. In this study, we utilized geological techniques to measure the distribution range of the animals living in the sediments on sandy beaches in Japan and Australia. We also measured the population density of the crab by counting burrow openings on the beach. Because the worm and crab burrows can be preserved in strata (geological records) as trace fossils, we can reconstruct the invertebrate populations using sedimentary core samples in the near-past beach ecosystems when there were no human impacts. The reconstructed beach ecosystem can be a guide for future conservation.
Published Version
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