Abstract
Marine organisms exhibit spatial variability at scales ranging from thousands of kilometres (biogeographic variability) to a few body lengths. Physical processes can increase spatial variability through selective sorting, or decrease it through mixing. We examine the effects of post-mortem processes on the spatial structure of empty shells and tests left by populations of molluscs and echinoderms on outer Grand Bank. Analysis of data from five photographic transects showed that spatial variability of shells and tests decreased relative to live organisms of the same species at scales greater than 140 m. Spatial variability did not increase relative to live specimens, with the exception of urchin tests at a scale of 20–30 m on two of five transects. We postulate that selective transport of shells does not occur in this environment at scales from 15 to 1500 m.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.