Disturbance mediates the effects of nutrients on developing assemblages of epibiota

Abstract

Local dynamics such as resource enhancement (e.g. nutrient supply) and stochastic events of destruction (disturbances that provide new space) are hypothesized to counteractively affect species diversity and composition. We tested the independent and interactive effects of nutrients and disturbance on the development of assemblages of epibiota attached to vertical surfaces in an oligotrophic system. Nutrient concentrations were manipulated at three levels (ambient, medium and high) while disturbance was manipulated by removing biomass at seven frequencies (0×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, 7×, 12×). Nutrient and disturbance regimes had opposing effects on diversity such that species richness increased with resource enhancement (nutrients) and declined with disturbance. These results support the model that increased heterogeneity of distribution of limiting resources allows the coexistence of species with low and high resource requirements.