Definition: Downward conveyors exhibit a feeding strategy opposite to that of upward conveyors. Vertically oriented head-up feeders actively select and ingest particles at the surface and egest these non-locally as faeces in deeper sediment strata
Definition: overall repetitive or reflective pattern in the body of one individual of this taxon. eg: bilateral symmetry, rotational symmetry, radial symmetry
Definition: an animal that excavates holes or tunnels into soil or benthic sediment to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct of locomotion. Inhabited burrows function as a refuge, protecting the inhabitants from predation and environmental extremes. They provide physical support for the digging and feeding activities of the burrow inhabitants. The harsh chemical environment deep in aquatic burrows must be counteracted by active or passive irrigation of burrow water.
Definition: directly or indirectly modulating the availability of resources to other species, by causing physical state changes in biotic or abiotic materials; modifying, maintaining and/or creating habitats
Definition: Downward conveyors exhibit a feeding strategy opposite to that of upward conveyors. Vertically oriented head-up feeders actively select and ingest particles at the surface and egest these non-locally as faeces in deeper sediment strata
Definition: The marine benthic biome (benthic meaning 'bottom') encompasses the seafloor and includes such areas as shores, littoral or intertidal areas, marine coral reefs, and the deep seabed.
Definition: Seagrass beds are highly diverse and productive ecosystems, and can harbour hundreds of associated species from all phyla. They partly create their own habitat: the leaves slow down water-currents increasing sedimentation, and the seagrass roots and rhizomes stabilize the seabed.
Definition: A group of species that exploit the same food resources, and/or use the same feeding or foraging methods. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild_(ecology)
Definition: Some deposit feeders do not ingest sediment haphazardly but use their palps or buccal organs to sort organic material from the sediment prior to ingestion. The method of sorting varies according to the types of palps present.
