Data from: Beta-diversity on deep-sea wood falls reflects gradients in energy availability

Wood falls on the deep-sea floor represent a significant source of energy
into the food-limited deep sea. Unique communities of primarily wood- and
sulfide-obligate species form on these wood falls. However, little is
known regarding patterns and drivers of variation in the composition of
wood fall communities through space and time, and thus, how wood falls
contribute to deep-sea biodiversity. Eighteen Acacia logs varying in size
were placed and retrieved after five years at a 3200 m site in the Pacific
Ocean. We found that the taxonomic composition and structure of deep-sea
wood fall communities varied considerably and equated with considerable
differences in energy usage and availability. Our findings suggest that
natural variability in wood falls may contribute significantly to deep-sea
diversity.