ABSTRACT
The composition and dynamics of benthic communities reßect the interplay of factors that operate at a range of scales. Variability at almost every scale of observation is likely to affect benthic species. For example, hydrodynamic gradients exist from the centimeter scale of the benthic boundary layer to ocean basin scale circulation patterns. The settlement of benthic species from planktonic life history stages will reßect both the large-scale and small-scale inßuences on propagule supply. Many benthic species have limited mobility as adults, so individuals may only interact with other individuals within a relatively short distance. However, population dynamic processes such as mortality may also be composed of elements at quite different scales. For example, mortality of barnacles can be caused by both the crowding effects of neighbors and mobile predators such as whelks or crabs.
