Seasonality in coastal benthic ecosystems

For historical reasons, knowledge about seasonality in the dynamics of mari ne benthic suspension feeders from temperate areas comes mainly from studie s of cold temperate seas. Recent surveys of Mediterranean taxa show differe nt patterns from those observed in cold temperate seas, which are character ized by winter dormancy. In the Mediterranean, summer dormancy predominates among taxa and appears to be related to energetic constraints. Temperature and food availability are crucial to the dynamics of benthic suspension fe eders. However, because these factors tend to be positively correlated in c old temperate seas, it is difficult to distinguish between their effects. S uch correlation does not occur in Mediterranean ecosystems. The contrast be tween recent studies in the Mediterranean and in other areas can help to di sentangle confounded environmental controls.