Essay On Meofauna

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2.5 Meiofauna as biological indicator
The use of meiofauna as a biological indicator is a more recent development than the utilization of macrofauna in the assessment and monitoring of aquatic ecosystem (Coull & Chandler, 1992). Meiofauna is thought to be jointly connected to the other faunal compartments as they are the most richest benthic group. Foraminifera and Nematode are two major protozoans usually found in the sand sediment.
As for foraminifera, it plays an important role in the global biogeochemical cycles of organic and inorganic compounds, making them one of the most valuable groups on earth (Yanko et al, 1999). Evidence of environmental stresses and changes that occur over time can be recorded by a secretion of carbonate shell which is readily preserved by most foraminiferal. These Protozoans are able to provide a reliable database for statistical analysis as they are small, abundant compared to the other hard-shelled taxa and easy to be collected. Due to their widespread distribution, short life and reproductive cycles, high biodiversity and specific ecological requ...

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