File:Figure 5.31 - Benthic diversity on the Antarctic shelf predicted for a range of disturbance rates.png

Benthic diversity (Shannon Index) on the Antarctic shelf predicted for a broad range of disturbance rates, using an analytical model based on different stages of recolonization (black line). Three values from empiric studies in the eastern Weddell Sea (small black quadrats +/-SD) and two scenarios from a similar spatially explicit model (large coloured quadrats) are superimposed; former ice scours (coloured lines) range from early (red/yellow) to intermediate (green) and climax stages (blue). The scenario in the upper left corner has a higher stage-diversity (more colours) than the lower, which represents a completely disturbed community with only early and intermediate stages of recolonization, but no climax. For details see Johst et al. (2006^[1]) and Potthoff et al. (2006^[2]).

1. ↑ Johst, K., Gutt, J., Wissel, C. and Grimm, V. 2006. Diversity and disturbances in the Antarctic megabenthos: feasible versus theoretical disturbance ranges, Ecosystems, 9, 1145-1155.
2. ↑ Potthoff, M., Johst, K. and Gutt, J. 2006. How to survive as a pioneer species in the Antarctic benthos: minimum dispersal distance as a function of lifetime and disturbance, Polar Biol., 29, 543-551.