Benthic polychaetes from the northern Gulf of Mexico continental slope /
Macrofaunal polychaetes from benthic box cores taken from the northern Gulf of Mexico continental slope (=300-3000 m) were identified and enumerated for the purpose of identifying and describing any community distribution patterns inherent in the region. Samples were taken during five cruises over...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1995.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=742145411&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | Macrofaunal polychaetes from benthic box cores taken from the northern Gulf of Mexico continental slope (=300-3000 m) were identified and enumerated for the purpose of identifying and describing any community distribution patterns inherent in the region. Samples were taken during five cruises over three years and covering transacts in the eastern, western, and central Gulf biotic regimes. Of the 24,376 individuals examined, there were 619 taxa, representing 59 families, 299 genera, and 446 species. Numerically dominant species from all transacts included: Litocorsa antennata, Aurospiodibranchiata, Aedicira sp., Exogone sp. A, and Tachytrypane sp. A; from the Central transect: Paramphinome sp. A, Ophelina sp. A, Notomastus americanus, Laonice cirrata, and Maldane sp. A; Eastern transect: Syllis cornuta, Notomastus latericeus, Spiophanes bombyx, Euchone incolor, and Pholoe sp. B; the Western transect had no uniquely prevalent abundant species. Differences were observed in species and community composition between the eastern, central, and western regimes; with depth; and, to some degree, among the four sediment types observed (clay, sandy clay, silty clay, and sand-silt-clay). Feeding type distribution remained relatively unchanged throughout the depth range of any transect with differences appearing between the eastern region and the central and western regions. In order of abundance, the feeding types were: Selective deposit feeder, Non-selective deposit feeder, Omnivore, Carnivore, Suspension feeder, and Scavenger. Further, some evidence for a definite seasonal variation (at least in density) was observed at the central transect. Some evidence for annual stability was observed on the central and eastern transacts. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Zoology". |
| Physical Description: | xiv, 197 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm. + 6 computer disks. |
| Format: | System requirements for accompanying computer disks: IBM PC. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |