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The biodiversity and biogeography of the free-living nematode genera Desmodora and Desmodorella (family Desmodoridae) at both sides of the Scotia Arc

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Abstract

Samples taken at two stations in the northern and southern parts of the Scotia Arc, at depths of 277 and 307 m, respectively, were analysed for metazoan meiofauna with special attention to the nematodes. Identification to species level was performed for two closely related subdominant nematode genera (Desmodora and Desmodorella) in samples from the two Scotia Arc stations and in other available samples from adjacent areas (Magellan Region, Drake Passage, Weddell Sea). Seven Desmodora species and three Desmodorella species were found, of which, respectively five and two species are new to science. The Scotia Arc stations show relatively high densities and average diversity on meiofauna and nematode level compared to adjacent areas. The distribution patterns of the various Desmodora and Desmodorella species suggest the Scotia Arc as a shallow bridge and a possible exchange route for meiofauna between the Antarctic and South America, especially since these species seem to be constrained by water depth.

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Acknowledgements

We are very much indebted to the Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research and the captain and crew members of the RV Polarstern for their expertise and professionalism. We would like to thank Dr. W. Bonne and Dr. R. Herman for their sampling efforts during the LAMPOS-campaign, Drs. S. Derycke for molecular work and results, and Prof. Dr. M. Vincx for the use of research facilities. This research was performed during the M.Sc. course Marelac at the University of Ghent and under the auspices of the Scientific Research Program on Antarctica from the Belgian Science Policy (BIANZO) and the concerted actions of Ghent University (GOA).

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  1. Marine Biology Section, Biology Department, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    J. Ingels, S. Vanhove, I. De Mesel & A. Vanreusel

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  1. J. Ingels
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Correspondence to J. Ingels.

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Ingels, J., Vanhove, S., De Mesel, I. et al. The biodiversity and biogeography of the free-living nematode genera Desmodora and Desmodorella (family Desmodoridae) at both sides of the Scotia Arc. Polar Biol 29, 936–949 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-006-0135-4

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