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The World of Protozoa, Rotifera, Nematoda and Oligochaeta

Ref ID : 3129

Gunter Tzschaschel; [Verteilung, Abundanzdynamik und Biologie mariner interstitieller Rotatoria] (Distribution, Abundance Dynamics and Biology of Marine Interstitial Rotifers). Mikrofauna Meeresboden 81:1-56, 1980

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1975/76 quantitative ecological studies were made on a semilotic intertidal sandy beach at the east side of the island of Sylt North Sea. 80% of the rotifers live in the damp sand of the beach slope; in the supralittoral zone, and in the lenitic wadden areas population density is less, in sublittoral sands no rotifer were found. Horizontal and vertical distribution of 15 species belonging to three families (Colurellidae, Dicranophoridae, Proalidae) are described. Correlation of zonation patterns and environmental factors are pointed out. The abundance of rotifer shows significant seasonal dynamics. Generally, in summer it is higher than in winter. In the beach slope many rotifers show vertical and horizontal migrations depending on varying dampness and temperature of the sand (vertical migration in a tidal rhythm; horizontal migration after a shift of the high tide line; migration from deep sand layers in winter to upper areas in summer; shifting to the highest temperature range disposable). The annual cycles of 8 species are described. They are positively or negatively correlated to temperature. Colurella colurus, Lepadella psammophila, Proales halophila (Hangform), Proales halophila (Wattform) were found all the year round. Proales syltensis only occurred in summer, while Encentrum axi, Encentrum permutandum, Proales germanica were only found in the colder seasons. For these species dormancy in egg capsules is supposed.