Variations in Diversity Within Benthic Marine Communities

Johnson, R

In recent years there has been considerable interest in the problem of explaining the differences in species diversity between marine communities (e.g., Sanders 1968; Buzas and Gibson 1969). This paper is an attempt to explain the temporal and spatial variation within benthic marine communities, occupying relatively homogeneous environments, by the use of the concepts of succession and the relationship between species diversity and environmental stability. The explanation is then applied to data collected from an intertidal community in a sandy beach. The results are found to also have a bearing on the differences between communities, the prediction of changes in communities, and the interpretation of the stratigraphic record of ancient seas.

Variations in Diversity Within Benthic Marine Communities

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