Differential Effects of Coral Reef Herbivores on Algal Community Structure and Function
Carpenter RC. Differential Effects of Coral Reef Herbivores on Algal Community Structure and Function. Athens, GA
Functional herbivore groups were categorized according to the intensity and frequency of disturbance· resulting from feeding. Biomass removal, species composition and primary productivity of experimental algal communities subjected to herbivory by each functional group revealed differences among groups. Combined removal of biomass by all herbivores ranged from 32 to 84% of daily algal production. Algal species composition varied according to grazing regime, with crustose forms dominating the most intensely grazed treatments. Specific rates of primary production of urchin grazed treatments were 2 to 4 times those in non-urchin grazed treatments. Species composition of reef algal communities is affected differentially by herbivores, which leads to subsequent changes in community metabolism.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Carpenter, Robert
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- algal production, Biomass Removal, Primary Production, Species Composition, Urchin