Gastropod community structure at Sepanjang beach, Yogyakarta.

Sepanjang beach is located in Gunungkidul regency, D.I. Yogyakarta. This beach was composed of rocky and sandy beaches, which were the habitat of gastropods. The role of gastropods in the environment as decomposers and providers of micro-ecosystem nutrients plays a role in the food chain in coastal ecosystems; thus, gastropod community stability could affect the coastal ecosystem. Therefore, it was necessary to analyze the gastropod community's structure in the coastal ecosystem. This research was conducted using an experimental, descriptive method with data collection techniques using quadrant transects. The research results found 383 individuals consisting of 12 families, 17 genera, and 26 species. Gastropod density is generally 6.38 ind/m², with the Thais distinguenda species having the highest—Important Value Index of 69.97%. The index of gastropod diversity was moderate, and in general, the value of the evenness index of gastropods was high. Furthermore, there were no dominant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]