Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-r7xzm Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-27T14:46:48.366Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Benthic hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from Svalbard waters—biodiversity and distribution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 October 2007

Marta Ronowicz
Affiliation:
Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences ul. Powstancow Warszawy 55, Sopot 81-712, Poland. E-mail: martigor1@o2.pl

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to update the existing knowledge of benthic hydroids from Svalbard waters. The material for the study was collected at several locations in the Svalbard region. The list of hydropolyps from the investigated area includes about 100 species. A total of 42 taxa was noted in the present study, 18 of which were reported for the first time in this area. One species is likely new to science. The analyses address the zoogeographical status of the species and the diversity of microhabitats. Arctic-boreal species were the main component of the hydroid assemblage, and eight types of substrata were colonized by the hydroids. Their highest biodiversity occurred on algae and bryozoans. Biological studies and faunal records used to monitor the Arctic region are of increasing importance in light of climate change and its influence on benthic community structure.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2007 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)