| After a massive mortality of the dominant species (the clam Mesodesma mactroides) occurred in 1995, changes in the intertidal community in sandy beaches of Argentina were monitored. Eight sampling stations were established in a 40 km open stretch and samples were taken every October each year up to 2001. Biomass, density, size frequency distribution and mean growth rates for the most abundant species were analyzed. During the mortality event, only the benthic stages of M. mactroides were affected, their total mean biomass diminishing from 1,399 g to 2 g per running meter beach. Post-mortality recruitment was normal and the growth rates for the youngest cohorts were similar to those previously reported. After a two years’ lag, the wedge clam Donax... |
