engleski

Spatio-temporal variability of meiofauna community structure in abandoned salina of Velike soline and adjacent area (Mediterranean, Adriatic sea)

The effect of abiotic parameters on the structure and dynamics of meiofauna in the environment of high temperature and salinity fluctuations has been studied. Samples were collected from six stations during one-year study in the shallow and isolated area of Velike Soline (Eastern Adriatic Sea, Croatia). A total of 12 taxa were found. The average annual density values of meiofauna range from 142.5 to 1740.75 individuals per 10 cm2. A negative correlation between total meiofaunal density and temperature and salinity fluctuations has been noted. Considering the structure of meiofauna we distinguished three zones: marine, transitional and lagoonal, which differ concerning the density and percentage of certain taxa, dominance pattern and habitat heterogeneity. No regularities in seasonal dynamics of the structure of meiofauna have been noted.

meiofauna ; salinity and temperature fluctuations ; lagoons

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