Bi- and three-dimensional fractal analysis of the brown seaweed Gongolaria montagnei and their relationship with gastropod molluscs assemblage

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2023-01, Vol.186, p.114396-114396, Article 114396
• Main Authors: Mancuso, F.P., Milazzo, M., Sarà, G., Chemello, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biodiversity; Cystoseira sensu lato; Ecosystem; Foundation species; Fractal dimension; Fractals; Gastropoda; Habitat complexity; Mediterranean Sea; Mollusca; Molluscs; Phaeophyceae; Plants; Seaweed - chemistry
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114396

Habitat complexity is one of the main influences on biodiversity in marine environments, particularly in coastal areas where foundation seaweeds provide substrate for highly diverse communities. We studied the 2D and 3D fractal dimensions of Gongolaria montagnei (Fucales) over the vegetative season and examine their relationship with the abundance, species richness and morpho-functional groups of the gastropod associated. Overall, the 3D fractal analysis method used here better describes seaweeds structural complexity compared to the traditional 2D fractal analysis, as highlighted by the higher relationship with gastropod assemblage associated to the alga in terms of abundance, number of species and morpho-functional groups. We propose this new method as a valuable tool for understanding the relationship between seaweeds and associated fauna, which is critical for gaining a better understanding of the role that algal species play in a specific habitat and the consequences of their loss. [Display omitted] •The 3D fractal dimension used here closely reflects the complexity of seaweeds.•The 3D fractal dimension explained better variation of gastropods.•Seaweeds complexity plays a main role in shaping associated gastropods assemblage.•The morpho-functional groups of gastropods clarify the relationship between seaweed and gastropods.