Caracterización del zoobentos asociado a la macroalga Padina durvillaei en la zona intermareal rocosa de Barbasquillo, Manta-Ecuador, desde agosto 2021 a enero 2022.

Abstract

Zoobenthos are a valuable resource not only because of their ecological importance, but also because being associated with a macroalga helps improve water quality. These organisms generate health benefits in the aquatic ecosystem, transform nutrients and regulate sediment. The objective of the research was to characterize patterns of abundance and diversity of the zoobentos associated with the macroalga Padina durvillaei present in the rocky intertidal coastal area of Barbasquillo beach. Macroalgae samples were taken twice a month during low tide. The collection was made using a transect of 5 x 10 m and within these 5 quadrants of 1m2 were placed in specific points. There was no statistically significant relationship (P>0.05) between temperature-abundance (P=0.442 (H)) and pH-abundance (P=0.572(H)) and the temperature-diversity relationship (P=0.485 (D)); (P=0.312 (Dmg)) and pH-diversity ((P=0.508 (D)); (P=0.787 (Dmg)) between the zoobenthos respectively. We identified 3362 organisms formed in 17 families, 5 Phylum, among which molluscs, arthropods, annelids, platelmints and echinoderms. Molluscs were the most abundant taxon (52.83%) in the study area, represented by the species Mitra inca (26.15%) followed by Cerithium lutosum (20.40%). The average values of the Shannon index (1.13 H) and Simpson index reflect low diversity and abundance (0.18D). The Margalef index showed low wealth (1.13 Dmg). The results indicate a low diversity and abundance of zoobenthos associated with macroalga, contributing to the knowledge of benthic biodiversity in the area.