A new study has shown that vertebrates play a major role in shaping the North Sea seafloor. The study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, found that fish and marine mammals create and maintain a variety of habitats on the seafloor, which in turn support a diverse range of marine life.

The study was conducted by scientists from the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh. The scientists used a combination of sonar data and underwater video footage to map the seafloor and identify the different types of habitats that are created by vertebrates.

The scientists found that fish and marine mammals create a variety of habitats, including burrows, nests, and mounds. These habitats provide shelter and food for a variety of marine animals, including invertebrates, fish, and seabirds.

The study also found that the distribution of vertebrate-created habitats is influenced by a variety of factors, including water depth, substrate type, and the presence of predators.

The scientists say that their findings have important implications for the management of the North Sea. They say that it is important to protect the habitats that are created by vertebrates, as they support a diverse range of marine life.

The study also provides new insights into the role that vertebrates play in the marine environment. The scientists say that vertebrates are not only important predators, but they also play a vital role in creating and maintaining the habitats that support marine life.

For more information:

* [University of Aberdeen press release](https://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/19660/)

* [University of Edinburgh press release](http://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2018/verteb-seafloor)

* [Nature Geoscience paper](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-018-0232-2)