Foraminifera in the trophic structure of shallow-water Antarctic marine communities

Foraminifera are contained in the guts of various shallow-water antarctic invertebrates. This consumption by invertebrates affects foraminiferal populations differently in different habitats. On hard substrates foraminifera are taken in quantity by large generalists, especially under algal canopies. On mud substrates infaunal detritus-feeders consume large numbers of foraminifera, and some meiofaunal species specialize on foraminifera. Suspension-feeding invertebrates take large numbers of the planktic species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma in addition to other foraminifera. Foraminifera probably are insignificant items in the diet of all invertebrates except small specialized meiofaunal species. Nevertheless, the impact of consumption on foraminiferal populations can be great. Intense consumption by grazers and detrital feeders reduces the foraminiferal standing crop. Interpretation of modern and ancient environments should consider these effects. (Auth.)