Variation in Coastal Macroinvertebrate Species Diversity on Intertidal Boulders in Trinidad, California.

Authors

Louis Antonelli, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Alexandra Winkler, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Theron Taylor, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Natalie Greenleaf, Cal Poly Humboldt (Alumni)Follow

Abstract

Coastal environments of Humboldt County provide an optimal habitat for a diversity of macroinvertebrates. This study’s focus is to determine the differences in diversity of coastal macroinvertebrate (CM) species on intertidal boulders. Eleven CM species were visually counted within a one-square-meter quadrat along two height strata of five intertidal boulders. Based upon the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, diversity was measured between the CM species in the lower region (0-1 meter from base of boulder) and the upper region (1-2 meters from base of boulder). The resulting data showed the lower regions of the boulders had a higher average diversity rating, as compared to the upper boulder regions.

Recommended Citation

Antonelli, Louis; Winkler, Alexandra; Taylor, Theron; and Greenleaf, Natalie (2022) "Variation in Coastal Macroinvertebrate Species Diversity on Intertidal Boulders in Trinidad, California.," IdeaFest: Interdisciplinary Journal of Creative Works and Research from Cal Poly Humboldt: Vol. 6, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/ideafest/vol6/iss1/3