Biodiversity & Conservation

Foraminiferans and Thyasira sp. in deep circalittoral soft mud

COS.COS.ForThy

Foraminiferans and <i>Thyasira</i> sp. in deep circalittoral soft mud
Distribution map

COS.COS.ForThy recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • UK_BAP

Species indicative of sensitivity

To assess the sensitivity of the biotope, the sensitivity of component species is reviewed. Those species that are considered to be particularly indicative of the sensitivity of the biotope, and for which research has been undertaken in detail are shown below (see selection criteria). The biology of other component species of the biotope is also taken into account wherever information is known to the researcher.

Community Importance Species name Common Name
Important characterizing Foraminifera Foraminiferans
Important characterizing Thyasira sp. A bivalve
Important functional Polychaeta Bristleworms

Explanation

The biotope is characterized by the presence of foraminifera and Thyasira spp. in the absence of either of these species the biotope would not necessarily be recognized. Polychaetes are usually abundant and their burrowing activity is important in controlling species diversity and abundance in the community.

Additional information

In addition to species mentioned in the biotope description, polychaetes such as Exogone verugera, Nephtys spp., Aricidea catherinae and Minuspio cirrifera, and brittlestars, Amphiura sp. are also abundant in the biotope (Connor et al., 1997a) and information on these species has been used.

This review can be cited as follows:

Riley, K. 2002. Foraminiferans and Thyasira sp. in deep circalittoral soft mud. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 22/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=215&code=1997>