Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics of infauna:
Key Characteristics:
* Live within the sediment: They burrow, dig, or live in the spaces between sediment particles.
* Aquatic: They are found in marine, freshwater, or brackish water environments.
* Diverse group: Infauna includes a wide variety of organisms, from tiny worms to large clams and crabs.
Examples of Infauna:
* Polychaetes (segmented worms): Abundant and diverse group of worms that burrow through the sediment.
* Bivalves (clams, mussels): Filter feeders that burrow into the sediment.
* Crustaceans (crabs, shrimp): Some species burrow and live in the sediment, while others move along the surface.
* Echinoderms (sea urchins, sea cucumbers): Some species burrow and feed on sediment.
* Mollusks (snails, slugs): Some species are burrowing, while others live on the surface.
Importance of Infauna:
* Ecosystem engineers: They modify the sediment, creating habitat for other organisms.
* Food web: They are an important food source for larger animals, such as fish and birds.
* Nutrient cycling: They play a role in breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients.
* Bioindicators: They can be used to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems.
In summary, infauna are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, playing various roles in nutrient cycling, food webs, and habitat modification.