ABSTRACT: In deep-sea benthic environments, competition for hard substrates is a critical factor in
the distribution and diversity of organisms. In this context, the occurrence of biotic substrates in addition
to mineral substrates may change the characteristics of sessile fauna. We tested this hypothesis
at different localities of the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) by studying the diversity of ectosymbionts living
on the spines of cidaroids (echinoids). The presence of cidaroids promoted a higher total specific
richness and increased sessile species abundance, but did not change the diversity. Analyses of species
distribution suggested that the cidaroids are a favourable habitat for sessile organisms, compared
to rocks, but are colonized by relatively specialist sessile species, leaving the unfavourable
rock habitat to more generalist species. Therefore, our study highlights the role of some living organisms,
such as cidaroids, as key species increasing Antarctic benthic deep-sea species richness
through the niche they provide to symbiotic species.
ABSTRACT: In deep-sea benthic environments, competition for hard substrates is a critical factor inthe distribution and diversity of organisms. In this context, the occurrence of biotic substrates in additionto mineral substrates may change the characteristics of sessile fauna. We tested this hypothesisat different localities of the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) by studying the diversity of ectosymbionts livingon the spines of cidaroids (echinoids). The presence of cidaroids promoted a higher total specificrichness and increased sessile species abundance, but did not change the diversity. Analyses of speciesdistribution suggested that the cidaroids are a favourable habitat for sessile organisms, comparedto rocks, but are colonized by relatively specialist sessile species, leaving the unfavourablerock habitat to more generalist species. Therefore, our study highlights the role of some living organisms,such as cidaroids, as key species increasing Antarctic benthic deep-sea species richnessthrough the niche they provide to symbiotic species.
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