How morphodynamic gradients shape the distribution of meiofauna and nematodes on sandy beaches of the Amazon region?

Abstract

The present study analyzed how a small-scale morphodynamic gradient, based on the level of exposure to oceanic waves, shapes the spatial distribution patterns of the local meiofauna, with a special focus on the nematodes, of tropical macrotidal beaches on the Amazon coast (northern Brazil). The study focused on three sandy beaches, first compiling their physical characteristics (waves, currents and morphodynamic state), and then sampling biological and sediment samples at five different levels across the intertidal zone. Meiofauna was composed of 11 different groups, but was dominated by Nematoda. The nematode assemblage had a total of 89 genera, of which Daptonema and Theristus (both from family Xyalidae) were the most abundant on all studied beaches, at most intertidal levels. The diversity of nematode genera increased toward the low tide mark, while nematode density peaked in either the upper (on the protected and tide-dominated beaches) or intermediate levels (on the exposed, tide-modified beach). Distinct faunal zonation patterns were identified on the three beaches, which were influenced by their level of exposure to oceanic conditions, their granulometry, and the moisture of the sediment. While the variation in the characteristics of the meiofauna can be attributed to the level of exposure of beaches, horizontal distribution patterns were also closely related to habitat heterogeneity, including morphological features and freshwater inputs.