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Effects of wave-exposure on a fore-reef community were investigated by quantitative biomass sampling and field manipulations at Galeta Point, Caribbean Panama. Three predictions of Connell's (1978) intermediate-disturbance hypothesis are examined: (1) community diversity should be low in highly disturbed habitats, as few species can tolerate extreme biotic and abiotic condihons; (2) community diversity should be low in benign habitats, as most species are excluded by the competitive dominants; and (3) maximal community diversity should occur at intermediate conditions, as neither competition nor disturbance exert a dominating influence. In general, data support the intermediatedisturbance model. The predictions apply best to guilds of species that occupy primary substratum and are directly affected by wave-induced disturbance and space-light competition. Species adapted to environmental extremes or associated with the competitive dominants may be equally important in determining community richness. Tolerance to disturbances defines which species become dominant. Habitat complexity, competition, and mutualism secondarily influence the composition of this community. Selection for competitive ability among seaweeds becomes increasingly important in benign environments. Throughout most of the fore-reef zone, Laurencia papillosa is the competitive dominant, as defined by its ability to sequester and dominate space. As wave exposure subsides, Acanthophora spicifera competitively reduces the abundance of L. papillosa in some microhabitats. Spatial-temporal conditions determine the superior competitor. A balance among competitive abilities, mutualistic interactions, and tolerances to distrubances promotes the coexistence of these species.

marine ecology. progress series

Effects of wave exposure on the community structure of a plant-dominated, fringing-reef platform: intermediate disturbance and disturbance-mediated competition