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Resin embedments of quantitative meiofauna samples for ecological and structural studies — Description and application

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Abstract

In enumerating data for systematic and ecological studies on meiofauna, an unfortunate diversification exists in the methods used for observation, identification, preservation and curatorial treatment of various taxa. The application of transmission electron microscopy resin embedment techniques to whole, quantitative, extracted meiofauna samples is described here as a new method, which overcomes most of these problems. Slide-shaped resin blocks are produced by this method; they contain the mass-embedded meiofauna on one side and sand from the sample site on the other side; the latter can be used in studying sand-grain epigrowth of Protista, Fungi and Monera. Examples for the applicability of these slides to various meiobenthic studies are given for most taxa, but especially for Turbellaria, Annelida and Mystacocarida. Using this resin-slide technique, whole quantitative transects can be deposited as “ecotype material” in museums.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

    R. M. Rieger

  2. The Smithsonian Institution, Fort Pierce Bureau, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA

    E. Ruppert

Authors
  1. R. M. Rieger
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  2. E. Ruppert
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Commnicated by M.R. Tripp, Newark

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Rieger, R.M., Ruppert, E. Resin embedments of quantitative meiofauna samples for ecological and structural studies — Description and application. Mar. Biol. 46, 223–235 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390684

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390684

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