Biologically mediated habitat

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Many organisms provide structured space or living habitat through their normal growth, for example, reef forming invertebrates, meadow forming sea grass beds and marine algae forests. These ‘natural’ marine habitats can provide an essential breeding and nursery space for plants and animals, which can be particularly important for the continued recruitment of commercial and/or subsistence species. Such a biologically mediated habitat can provide a refuge for plants and animals including surfaces for feeding and hiding places from predators. Living habitat plays a critical role in species interactions and regulation of population dynamics, and is a pre-requisite for the provision of many goods and services.[1]


References

  1. Beaumont, N.J.; Austen, M.C.; Atkins, J.P.; Burdon, D.; Degraer, S.; Dentinho, T.P.; Derous, S.; Holm, P.; Horton, T.; van Ierland, E.; Marboe, A.H.; Starkey, D.J.; Townsend, M.; Zarzycki, T. (2007). Identification, definition and quantification of goods and services provided by marine biodiversity: implications for the ecosystem approach. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 54(3): 253-265