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MEPS
Marine Ecology Progress Series

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MEPS 381:99-108 (2009)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07950

Diversity effects beyond species richness: evidence from intertidal macroalgal assemblages

Francisco Arenas1,*, Felisa Rey1, Isabel Sousa Pinto1,2

1Laboratory of Coastal Biodiversity, Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
2Department of Botany, Sciences Faculty, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 1191, 4150-181 Porto, Portugal

ABSTRACT: Several recent experimental studies have examined the effects of macroalgal diversity on community functioning using synthetic assemblages. However, their predictive relevance for natural systems remains uncertain. Unlike terrestrial habitats, where observational studies in natural systems are profuse, studies on the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functioning in natural marine ecosystems are scarce. In the present study, we explored how different components of biodiversity influence the performance of macroalgal assemblages in natural communities (intertidal boulders). Specifically, we examined the relationships between biomass, species richness, spatial aggregation and evenness and the productivity of macroalgal assemblages. We found the expected positive relationship for biomass and species richness. Additionally, we found significant statistical relationships between both spatial aggregation and evenness and some of the productivity-related variables analyzed: assemblages with a higher degree of spatial aggregation reduced their light capture and photosynthetic efficiency, while increasing evenness increased maximum net primary productivity. Although these patterns should be further tested using experimental approaches, observational studies may provide valuable insights by revealing patterns usually overlooked by experimental approaches.


KEY WORDS: Biodiversity · Productivity · Spatial aggregation · Evenness · Macroalgae


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Cite this article as: Arenas F, Rey F, Sousa Pinto I (2009) Diversity effects beyond species richness: evidence from intertidal macroalgal assemblages. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 381:99-108. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07950

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