Perspectives of research on detritus: Do factors controlling the availability of detritus to macroconsumers depend on its source?

Authors

K. R. Tenore, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, P.O. Box 13687, Savannah, Georgia, 31406, U.S.A.
L. Cammen, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, P.O. Box 13687, Savannah, Georgia, 31406, U.S.A.
S. E.G. Findlay, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, P.O. Box 13687, Savannah, Georgia, 31406, U.S.A.
N. Phillips, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, P.O. Box 13687, Savannah, Georgia, 31406, U.S.A.

Abstract

Various factors have been suggested as regulating the availability of detritus to detritivores, e.g., particle-size and microbial dynamics, nutritional composition of detritus per se, and chemical inhibitors/ enhancers. These factors might vary in importance depending on detritus source: fecal pellets, vascular plants, or seaweed-derived detritus. We review the literature to evaluate the above factors and suggest that future research on detritus should consider regulatory mechanisms which depend on detritus type.

Recommended Citation

Tenore, K. R., L. Cammen, S. E. Findlay, and N. Phillips. 1982. "Perspectives of research on detritus: Do factors controlling the availability of detritus to macroconsumers depend on its source?." Journal of Marine Research 40, (2). https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/journal_of_marine_research/1593