Secondary hardground-communities in the Northern Gulf of Trieste, Adriatic Sea
- Author(s)
- Martin Zuschin, Peter Pervesler
- Abstract
Secondary hardground-communities in the Bay of Panzano were investigated with respect to their taxonomic composition, distribution and to the taphonomic processes, which may influence their preservation potential. Every hardground category (mainly serpulid aggregates, various mollusc shells and Chaetopterus tubes) at the investigated soft-bottom is attractive for potential epigrowth. All epigrowth organisms are suspension feeders; serpulids are quantitatively by far the most important. "Constructors" (barnacles, bryozoans, oysters, serpulids) enlarge the hardground, have a considerable preservation potential and show limited taphonomic disintegration. In contrast, softbodied epigrowth (anemones, ascidians, sponges) and thin-walled Chaetopterus tubes have a poor fossilisation potential. Vagile colonizers (ophiurids, echinoids, decapods, holothurians) show also strong taphonomic disintegration, but their species composition is partly reconstructable from fragments embedded in the sediment and provides indirect evidence for ascidians and sponges. The density of overgrown secondary hardgrounds decreases distinctly with decreasing distance from the river mouth due to changing types of available hardgrounds, a markedly change of sedimentary facies and bottom trawling.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Palaeontology
- Journal
- Senckenbergiana Maritima
- Volume
- 28
- Pages
- 53-63
- No. of pages
- 11
- ISSN
- 0080-889X
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03042822
- Publication date
- 12-1996
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 105118 Palaeontology, 106021 Marine biology
- Keywords
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oceanography, Aquatic Science
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 14 - Life Below Water
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/a118f7eb-3eba-458c-8eab-be6913930786