On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Main traits modalities

Figure 1. Main traits modalities of two contrasting macrobenthic fauna. a) Nereid worm (Polychaeta) and b) Hermit crab (Crustacea). Functional traits displayed: Feeding mode (deposit feeder and scavenger); Bioturbation (bioturbator and surface modifier); Body size (medium and large size); Morphology (vermiform and hard shell); Living habit (burrower and surface crawler) (Orlando Lam-Gordillo, NIWA).