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Molluscs on subtidal cliffs: patterns of spatial distribution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2003

A. Terlizzi
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Zoology and Marine Biology, Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology (DiSTeBA), University of Lecce, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
D. Scuderi
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Biology, University of Catania, CoNISMa, 68124, Catania, Italy
S. Fraschetti
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Lecce, CoNISMa, 73100, Lecce, Italy
P. Guidetti
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Lecce, CoNISMa, 73100, Lecce, Italy
F. Boero
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Lecce, CoNISMa, 73100, Lecce, Italy
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Abstract

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The distribution of molluscan assemblages across and along a vertical rocky cliff near Otranto (southern Adriatic Sea, Italy) was studied. Sampling was undertaken in May and November 2000 at three sites approximately 100 m apart. Three depths (5, 15, 25 m) were sampled at each site, by scraping off three replicate 20×20 cm quadrats. Samples yielded 6722 specimens, referred to as 133 species. Multivariate analyses showed that the structure of the assemblages significantly differed among depths with a clear gradient of distribution from shallow to deep stands. However, a considerable variation in the structure of the assemblage was also observed among sites at each of the three depths. The species contributing most to characterize depths and/or differentiating sites at each level of the shore were identified. Some potential causes of the observed differences are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2003 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom