Résumé
Among anthropogenic habitats built in the marine environment, floating and
non-floating structures can be colonized by distinct assemblages. However,
there is little knowledge whether these differences are also reflected in
the functional structure. This study compared the functional diversity of
sessile and mobile invertebrate assemblages that settle over 3 months on
floating vs. non-floating artificial habitats, in two Chilean ports. Using
morphological, trophic, behavioral, and life history traits, we found
differences between mobile and sessile assemblages regarding the effect of
the type of habitat on the functional diversity. Compared to sessile
assemblages, a greater functional similarity was observed for mobile
assemblages, which suggests that their dispersal capacity enables them to
balance the reduced connectivity between settlement structures. No traits,
prevailing or selected in one or the other habitat type, were however
clearly identified; a result warranting further studies focusing on more
advanced stages of community development.