Spatial variability of nematode assemblages associated with Sargassum muticum in the English channel and in South Korea

Abstract

Comparative nematode community study was conducted on intertidal algal sargassum muticum in different spatial scale. Sargassum muticum is a native species in Southeast Asia and have been known as a successful invasive species to North America and European coast. Nematode assemblages inhabiting Sargassum muticum were compared in English channel (invasive species) and in South Korea (native species). A fully nested design has been used with 3 regions in each country, 2 shores in each region and 3 patches on each shore. Patterns of alpha, beta and gamma diversity were compared as well as patterns of composition and diversity along the environmental gradients in each country. Significant difference between each spatial scale (patches, shores, regions and countries) was found in nematode assemblages. Despite of their nematode community difference at each spatial scale, cosmopolitan species was found and the feeding type of the dominant nematode was similar.ca and European coast. Nematode assemblages inhabiting Sargassum muticum were compared in English channel (invasive species) and in South Korea (native species). A fully nested design has been used with 3 regions in each country, 2 shores in each region and 3 patches on each shore. Patterns of alpha, beta and gamma diversity were compared as well as patterns of composition and diversity along the environmental gradients in each country. Significant difference between each spatial scale (patches, shores, regions and countries) was found in nematode assemblages. Despite of their nematode community difference at each spatial scale, cosmopolitan species was found and the feeding type of the dominant nematode was similar.