An Analysis of a Stable Period in the Northumberland Benthic Fauna-1973–80

Abstract

In the period 1973–80, the infauna at the standard 55 m station exhibited a high degree of persistence stability. The period was characterized by a stable biennial cycle in total numbers of individuals and substantial stability in species ranking. The biennial cycle was associated with density dependent mortality which appears as the principal controlling factor of the community. Evidence is discussed in support of the hypothesis that the density dependent mortality is due to interspecific and intraspecific competition, in a food limiting environment, between species with rather broad niche overlaps.