Body size‐based trophic structure of a deep marine ecosystem

• DOI: 10.1890/15-0234.1
• Publication Date: 2015-07-28T21:33:46Z
• Authors: Sonia Romero‐Romero; Axayacatl Molina‐...; Juan Höfer; José Luis Acuña
• Keywords: Isotope Analysis; Marine ecosystem

Nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ15N) and body size were used to describe the size-based trophic structure of a deep-sea ecosystem, Avilés submarine Canyon (Cantabrian Sea, Southern Bay Biscay). We analyzed δ15N specimens collected on seasonal basis (March 2012, October May 2013), from variety zones (benthic, pelagic), taxa (from zooplankton through invertebrates fishes giant squids cetaceans), or depths surface 4700 m) that spanned nine orders magnitude in mass. Our data reveal strong linear dependence level when considered either individually, aggregated into taxonomical categories, binned classes. The three approaches render similar results not significantly different yielded predator:prey mass (PPMR) 1156:1, 3792:1 2718:1, respectively. Thus, our represent unequivocal evidence interspecific, whole ecosystem based taxonomic/functional categories. studied variability explained by (W) using mixed modeling found vs. log10 W relationship holds for both pelagic benthic systems, with organisms isotopically enriched relative same size. However there is marked variation potentially related recycling state system.