Complexidade estrutural e composição química das macroalgas como fatores estruturantes da fauna associada
Seaweeds play several roles for associated fauna. In this context, this work was divided into three chapters to investigate how the structural complexity of different seaweeds may affect ecological aspects of the associated fauna (richness, density, diversity and composition) and which role seawe...
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| Formato: | doctoralThesis |
| Idioma: | pt_BR |
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Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
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| Endereço do item: | https://repositorio.ufrn.br/handle/123456789/49568 |
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| Resumo: | Seaweeds play several roles for associated fauna. In this context, this work was divided into
three chapters to investigate how the structural complexity of different seaweeds may affect
ecological aspects of the associated fauna (richness, density, diversity and composition) and
which role seaweed complexity and chemical composition play on habitat and food choice by
their fauna as well as predation. In the first chapter, the influence of seaweed structural
complexity was analyzed based on ecological aspects of the fauna associated with six species
of seaweeds. The ecological aspects were evaluated considering the fractal area (spaces
between branches), the fractal perimeter (contour level) and the volume of seaweeds.
Seaweeds differed in both morphological traits and structural complexity. Species richness
and density depended on seaweed structural complexity. In the second chapter, experiments
were carried out to assess the choices (food, habitat and chemical cues) by amphipods
concerning different species of seaweeds. Gracilaria cervicornis was the most consumed
seaweed among the species offered. Moreover, in the experiments of chemical cues (mimics
with and without algal extracts), the amphipods were attracted only by those with extracts of
G. cervicornis. These results indicate that amphipods are likely attracted by chemical cues
from G. cervicornis as they serve primarily as a food source. In the third chapter, experiments
were carried out to determine whether the seaweed choice by amphipods is influenced by
predators based on chemical cues. The animals preferred D. delicatula cues over those of G.
cervicornis and G. coarctatum. The amphipods also selected more G. cervicornis cues than
those of G. coarctatum. When predator cues were mixed with D. delicatula cues, amphipods
changed their initial choice for G. cervicornis. However, when predator cues were added to G.
cervicornis, the animals maintained their preference for this seaweed’s cues over those of G.
coarctatum. These results demonstrate that, although they prefer some seaweeds, amphipods
are able to adapt their behavior based on predator chemical cues. |
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