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Population decline and the effects of disturbances on the structure and recovery of octocoral communities (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) in Pacific Panama

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 July 2014

Catalina G. Gomez ,
Hector M. Guzman  and
Andrew Gonzalez
Catalina G. Gomez*
Affiliation:
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panama
Hector M. Guzman
Affiliation:
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panama
Andrew Gonzalez
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Docteur Penfield, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3A 1B1
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: C.G. Gomez, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Panama email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Community structure, species composition, and changes over time after disturbances are frequently studied using common descriptors. We used rank abundance distribution plots (RADs), Rényi entropy plots, common theoretical community models, ordination analysis of similarities (ANOSIM and Clusters), and abundance spectra analyses to study the effects of a gradual natural population decline and an anthropogenic punctuated disturbance on the structure of octocoral communities in Panama, considered a hot spot area for octocoral diversity in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. Over a 17-month period, no significant change was found in community structure after a natural yearly population decline of 25.2%. After a disturbance, however, different recovery trajectories were observed in various coral communities. Possible physical and biological explanations for the observed differences include initial local species diversity and abundance, species life history patterns, colony morphology, and the geographical location of the community. Differences in community structure between study sites were best described using a combination of community descriptors, RADs, and abundance spectra. Rényi plots were useful in identifying changes in community structure, whereas the extent of the changes was best evaluated using ANOSIM and cluster analysis.

Keywords

coral community ecologyoctocoralsspecies relative abundancedisturbancediversityCoiba National ParkPanama
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 95 , Issue 1 , February 2015 , pp. 81 - 90
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2014 

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