Megalorchestia corniculata

Megalorchestia corniculata is a species of beach hopper in the family Talitridae.[1][2]

Megalorchestia corniculata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Amphipoda
Family: Talitridae
Genus: Megalorchestia
Species:
M. corniculata
Binomial name
Megalorchestia corniculata
(Stout, 1913)

Ecological role

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Megalorchestia corniculata, a talitrid amphipod, is a crucial consumer of wrack (seaweed). By Consuming wrack, Megalorchestia corniculata helps process it and contributes to nutrient cycling in sand beach ecosystems. Megalorchestia corniculata plays a vital role in breaking down organic matter like kelp, which promotes nutrient availability in intertidal environments. Consuming it and excreating ammonium enhances the nutrient cycling in sandy beaches.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Megalorchestia corniculata Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2019-09-25.
  2. ^ Lowman, Heili E.; Emery, Kyle A.; Kubler-Dudgeon, Lila; Dugan, Jenifer E.; Melack, John M. (5 April 2019). "Contribution of macroalgal wrack consumers to dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations in intertidal pore waters of sandy beaches". Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 219: 363–371. Bibcode:2019ECSS..219..363L. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2019.02.004.