Analysis of the ecology of Anchialine Caves using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes /

1992a). Previous biological research on anchialine caves has

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Pohlman, John William, 1970-
Format: Thesis eBook
Language:English
Published: [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified] ; 1995.
Subjects:
Online Access:Link to OAKTrust copy
Description
Summary:1992a). Previous biological research on anchialine caves has
allochthonous sources are the open water cenotes and the
along many tropical karstic and volcanic coastlines (Iliffe
anchialine cave ecosystems in the Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana
and Caribbean continue.
are partially or totally submerged by stratified fresh and
been limited to taxonomic and biogeographic investigations on
Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were used to investigate
cave ecosystem is supported by two allochthonous organic
community. the lines of evidence for the 13carbon data, 15
contributor. Conceptual models for carbon and nitrogen
cycling among the biotic and abiotic components of the
data imply that nitrification is the chemoautolithotrophic
discriminate food sources in these caves and to trace their
ecosystem were constructed from the data. Suspension feeding
ecosystem. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were used to
first detailed ecological investigation of an anchialine
for niche partitioning is the first reported for any cave
herein classified according to feeding type. This evidence
marine waters and are prominent geological features found
nitrogen data and morphological analysis all converge to the
overlying jungle soil, while environmental and stable isotope
prove fundamental to protecting this sensitive and economically
questions regarding organic carbon and nitrogen cycling in
Roo, Mexico. Anchialine caves are subterranean passages that
same conclusions. These ideas offer a new paradigm for
selective and species specific feeding behavior and are
significant resource as development in the Yucatan Peninsula
sources and possibly one chemoautolithotrophic source. The
the biogeochemical and ecological processes that govern
the troglobitic (cave limited) fauna, but fundamental
these systems remain unexplored. This thesis represents the
throughout the Caribbean region. This understanding may
troglobitic fauna occupying the same niche exhibited
understanding how this ecosystem operates both locally and
utilization by the troglobites. The isotope data suggest the
Item Description:"Major subject: Oceanography".
Vita.
Physical Description:xiv, 127 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm.
Also available online.
Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.