Habitat heterogeneity and diversity patterns of Nematoda assemblages in coral reefs: a functional approach
Beta diversity, meiofauna, functional traits, conservation
Habitats exert a direct influence on the formation of biological communities, which adapt in response to the specific characteristics of each habitat. Understanding how the taxonomic and functional diversity of assemblages behaves due to the physical structural variation of different habitats can provide valuable information about the ecological conditions to which threatened ecosystems are subject. The present research sought to verify the influence of the heterogeneity of habitats in a shallow reef on the taxonomic and functional diversity of Nematoda assemblages, using different functional approaches. Significant differences were found in the taxonomic and functional structure of assemblages between habitats with combinations of functional traits unique to most habitats. Furthermore, the presence of some assemblages with high specificity was verified, mainly in Rodolito, which recorded the highest values of diversity, both functional and taxonomic, and greater redundancy and lower functional vulnerability among all habitats. Through the use of different approaches, it was possible to verify the contribution and relevance of each habitat to the reef as a whole, showing that although coral reefs are diverse ecosystems, the assemblages in the habitats here are vulnerable to loss of function.