Mapping marine species richness and endemicity at global scales

Understanding biodiversity at local and regional requires a global context. This talk presents the global pattern of marine species richness and endemicity, including latitude and depth. We compare maps of marine species endemicity across all taxa (65,000 species), and particular taxa (razor clams, amphipods, polychaetes, seagrass, jellyfish, bryozoans, fish), with a new map of marine ecosystems based on analysis of 20 environmental variables. We show how species richness increases with temperature but dips at the equator, and decreases with depth. Thirty biogeographic realms are distinguished based on species endemicity, with more in coastal than offshore areas. Species richness and endemicity are higher in benthic than pelagic taxa, and macro- than micro- and mega-fauna. However, we should expect individual taxa to vary from these overall patterns due to their evolutionary origins and competition with other taxa; and patterns within geographic regions to vary due to constancy of some environmental variables (e.g. temperature) and local scale habitat variation. Thus nesting of taxon and regional studies within this global context may indicate how ecological interactions have shaped the global evolution of marine biodiversity.

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Mapping marine species richness and endemicity at global scales

10.7287/peerj.preprints.26501 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Mark J Costello ◽

Tri Arifanti ◽

Chhaya Chaudhary ◽

Dinusha Jayathilake ◽

Han-Yang Lin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Environmental Variables ◽

Marine Species ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Ecological Interactions ◽

Global Pattern ◽

Global Context ◽

Evolutionary Origins ◽

Habitat Variation ◽

Razor Clams

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Global pattern of phytoplankton diversity driven by temperature and environmental variability

Science Advances ◽

10.1126/sciadv.aau6253 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. eaau6253 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Damiano Righetti ◽

Meike Vogt ◽

Nicolas Gruber ◽

Achilleas Psomas ◽

Niklaus E. Zimmermann

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Environmental Variability ◽

Species Turnover ◽

Marine Phytoplankton ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Phytoplankton Species ◽

Global Pattern ◽

Phytoplankton Diversity ◽

Biogeographic Patterns ◽

Theoretical Predictions

Despite their importance to ocean productivity, global patterns of marine phytoplankton diversity remain poorly characterized. Although temperature is considered a key driver of general marine biodiversity, its specific role in phytoplankton diversity has remained unclear. We determined monthly phytoplankton species richness by using niche modeling and >540,000 global phytoplankton observations to predict biogeographic patterns of 536 phytoplankton species. Consistent with metabolic theory, phytoplankton richness in the tropics is about three times that in higher latitudes, with temperature being the most important driver. However, below 19°C, richness is lower than expected, with ~8°– 14°C waters (~35° to 60° latitude) showing the greatest divergence from theoretical predictions. Regions of reduced richness are characterized by maximal species turnover and environmental variability, suggesting that the latter reduces species richness directly, or through enhancing competitive exclusion. The nonmonotonic relationship between phytoplankton richness and temperature suggests unanticipated complexity in responses of marine biodiversity to ocean warming.

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Global shifts in species richness have shaped carpet shark evolution

BMC Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.1186/s12862-021-01922-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Bret M. Boyd ◽

Jason C. Seitz

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Molecular Phylogenetics ◽

Marine Species ◽

Biodiversity Hotspot ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Shark Species ◽

Evolutionary Processes ◽

History Of ◽

Subsequent Loss ◽

Shallow Seas

Abstract Background The evolutionary processes that shape patterns of species richness in marine ecosystems are complex and may differ between organismal groups. There has been considerable interest in understanding the evolutionary processes that led to marine species richness being concentrated in specific geographical locations. In this study we focus on the evolutionary history of a group of small-to-medium sized sharks known as carpet sharks. While a few carpet shark species are widespread, the majority of carpet shark species richness is contained within a biodiversity hotspot at the boundary of the Indian and Pacific oceans. We address the significance of this biodiversity hotspot in carpet shark evolution and speciation by leveraging a rich fossil record and molecular phylogenetics to examine the prehistoric distribution of carpet sharks. Results We find that carpet sharks species richness was greatest in shallow seas connected to the Atlantic Ocean during the Late Cretaceous, but that there was a subsequent loss of biodiversity in Atlantic waters. Fossil evidence from sites in close geographic proximity to the current center of carpet shark diversity are generally restricted to younger geologic strata. Conclusions From this data we conclude that (1) center of carpet shark biodiversity has shifted during the last 100 million years, (2) carpet sharks have repeatedly dispersed to nascent habitat (including to their current center of diversity), and (3) the current center of carpet shark biodiversity conserves lineages that have been extirpated from this prehistoric range and is a source of new carpet shark species. Our findings provide insights into the roles of marine biodiversity hotspots for higher-tropic level predators and the methods applied here can be used for additional studies of shark evolution.

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A world dataset on the geographic distributions of Solenidae razor clams (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

Biodiversity Data Journal ◽

10.3897/bdj.7.e31375 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Hanieh Saeedi ◽

Mark Costello

Keyword(s):

Quality Control ◽

Species Richness ◽

Geographic Distribution ◽

Marine Species ◽

Species Distribution Modelling ◽

Future Climate Change ◽

Data Quality Control ◽

Distribution Ranges ◽

Control Procedures ◽

Razor Clams

Using this dataset, we examined the global geographical distributions of Solenidae species in relation to their endemicity, species richness and latitudinal ranges and then predicted their distributions under future climate change using species distribution modelling techniques (Saeedi et al. 2016a, Saeedi et al. 2016b). We found that the global latitudinal species richness in Solenidae is bi-modal, dipping at the equator most likely derived by high sea surface temperature (Saeedi et al. 2016b). We also found that most of the Solenidae species will shift their distribution ranges polewards due to global warming (Saeedi et al. 2016a). We also provided a comprehensive review of the taxon to test whether the latitudinal gradient in species richness was uni-modal with a peak in the tropics or northern hemisphere or asymmetric and bimodal as proposed previously (Chaudhary et al. 2016). This paper presents an integrated global geographic distribution dataset for 77 Solenidae taxa, including 3,034 geographic distribution records. This dataset was compiled after a careful data-collection and cleaning procedure over four years. Data were collected using field sampling, literature and from open-access databases. Then all the records went through quality control procedures such as validating the taxonomy of the species by examining and re-identifying the specimens in museum collections and using taxonomic and geographic data quality control tools in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) and the r-OBIS package (Provoost and Bosch 2017). This dataset can thus be further used for taxonomical and biogeographical studies of Solenidae.

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Global warming is causing a more pronounced dip in marine species richness around the equator

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.2015094118 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 118 (15) ◽

pp. e2015094118

Author(s):

Chhaya Chaudhary ◽

Anthony J. Richardson ◽

David S. Schoeman ◽

Mark J. Costello

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Species Richness ◽

Animal Species ◽

Latitudinal Gradient ◽

Marine Species ◽

Global Scale ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Marine Animal ◽

Pelagic Species ◽

The Tropics

The latitudinal gradient in species richness, with more species in the tropics and richness declining with latitude, is widely known and has been assumed to be stable over recent centuries. We analyzed data on 48,661 marine animal species since 1955, accounting for sampling variation, to assess whether the global latitudinal gradient in species richness is being impacted by climate change. We confirm recent studies that show a slight dip in species richness at the equator. Moreover, richness across latitudinal bands was sensitive to temperature, reaching a plateau or declining above a mean annual sea surface temperature of 20 °C for most taxa. In response, since the 1970s, species richness has declined at the equator relative to an increase at midlatitudes and has shifted north in the northern hemisphere, particularly among pelagic species. This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that climate change is impacting the latitudinal gradient in marine biodiversity at a global scale. The intensification of the dip in species richness at the equator, especially for pelagic species, suggests that it is already too warm there for some species to survive.

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Conservation Status of Marine Biodiversity in Oceania: An Analysis of Marine Species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Journal of Marine Biology ◽

10.1155/2011/247030 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Beth A. Polidoro ◽

Cristiane T. Elfes ◽

Jonnell C. Sanciangco ◽

Helen Pippard ◽

Kent E. Carpenter

Keyword(s):

Threatened Species ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Extinction Risk ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Marine Species ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Red List ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Conservation Priorities ◽

Conservation Action

Given the economic and cultural dependence on the marine environment in Oceania and a rapidly expanding human population, many marine species populations are in decline and may be vulnerable to extinction from a number of local and regional threats. IUCN Red List assessments, a widely used system for quantifying threats to species and assessing species extinction risk, have been completed for 1190 marine species in Oceania to date, including all known species of corals, mangroves, seagrasses, sea snakes, marine mammals, sea birds, sea turtles, sharks, and rays present in Oceania, plus all species in five important perciform fish groups. Many of the species in these groups are threatened by the modification or destruction of coastal habitats, overfishing from direct or indirect exploitation, pollution, and other ecological or environmental changes associated with climate change. Spatial analyses of threatened species highlight priority areas for both site- and species-specific conservation action. Although increased knowledge and use of newly available IUCN Red List assessments for marine species can greatly improve conservation priorities for marine species in Oceania, many important fish groups are still in urgent need of assessment.

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What drives plant biodiversity in the clay floodplain grasslands of NSW?

The Rangeland Journal ◽

10.1071/rj08056 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 329 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Tom Lewis ◽

Peter J. Clarke ◽

Ralph D. B. Whalley ◽

Nick Reid

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Species Composition ◽

Soil Type ◽

Environmental Variables ◽

Private Property ◽

Flood Frequency ◽

Perennial Grasses ◽

Plant Biodiversity ◽

South Wales ◽

Plant Families

An assessment of the relative influences of management and environment on the composition of floodplain grasslands of north-western New South Wales was made using a regional vegetation survey sampling a range of land tenures (e.g. private property, travelling stock routes and nature reserves). A total of 364 taxa belonging to 55 different plant families was recorded. Partitioning of variance with redundancy analysis determined that environmental variables accounted for a greater proportion (61.3%) of the explained variance in species composition than disturbance-related variables (37.6%). Soil type (and fertility), sampling time and rainfall had a strong influence on species composition and there were also east–west variations in composition across the region. Of the disturbance-related variables, cultivation, stocking rate and flooding frequency were all influential. Total, native, forb, shrub and subshrub richness were positively correlated with increasing time since cultivation. Flood frequency was positively correlated with graminoid species richness and was negatively correlated with total and forb species richness. Site species richness was also influenced by environmental variables (e.g. soil type and rainfall). Despite the resilience of these grasslands, some forms of severe disturbance (e.g. several years of cultivation) can result in removal of some dominant perennial grasses (e.g. Astrebla spp.) and an increase in disturbance specialists. A simple heuristic transitional model is proposed that has conceptual thresholds for plant biodiversity status. This knowledge representation may be used to assist in the management of these grasslands by defining four broad levels of community richness and the drivers that change this status.

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Addressing Marine Wildlife Entanglement in Derelict Fishing Nets Using Community-Based Social Marketing: Case Study and Lessons Learnt

Social Marketing Quarterly ◽

10.1177/15245004211053841 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 152450042110538

Author(s):

Maïa Sarrouf Willson ◽

Craig Turley ◽

Lamees A. Daar ◽

Hussein Al Masroori ◽

Hussain Al Muscati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Social Marketing ◽

Behavioural Change ◽

Marine Species ◽

Marine Biodiversity ◽

Community Based ◽

One To One ◽

Marine Wildlife

Background Entanglement of marine species, particularly endangered sea turtles and cetaceans, in abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear is a major conservation concern. Focus of the Article This case study applies Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) to reduce marine wildlife net entanglement in the waters surrounding Masirah Island, a marine biodiversity hotspot in Oman. Importance to the Social Marketing Field The study demonstrates the use of social marketing tools in biodiversity conservation, bringing new knowledge to the cross-application of these two fields. Methods The CBSM methodology was applied to select behaviours, identify barriers and benefits, develop strategies and design a pilot study. The responsible disposal of derelict nets in skip bins was selected as the target behaviour, and a mix of behavioural change tools was applied to achieve change: convenience (installation of three skip bins), education (installation of informative signs, distribution of awareness posters, one-to-one engagement with fishers on the beaches), prompts (installation of signs and posters on vessels) and social norms (one-to-one engagement with key influencers and decision makers). The monitoring of behaviour change took place through structured observations over 23 weeks, focussing on the number of nets disposed of in the allocated skip bins. Results Results showed a low level of behaviour adoption rate by skiff and launch vessel fisheries, respectively, 5.36% and 2.58%. Positive results were observed for a short time but did not reach the estimated target value throughout the study period. Recommendations for Research Our pilot study did not lead to broad-scale implementation and we recommend further awareness and engagement with the target audience, trials of various behaviour change tools and increase field monitoring time. We further recommend the application and funding of behaviour change methods applied to fishers with the incorporation of conventional financial, conservation and regulatory tools to support resource management. Limitations Our results show that focussing on specific behaviours with appropriate measurement is both resource and time demanding to solve pressing conservation problems, particularly ones generated by complex industries such as fishing. Various lessons, useful for other social marketers, have been drawn from our evaluation of the overall study.

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Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Geometrid Moths (Geometridae, Lepidoptera) in Mongolia

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d12050186 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 186

Author(s):

Khishigdelger Enkhtur ◽

Bazartseren Boldgiv ◽

Martin Pfeiffer

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Environmental Variables ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Distribution Patterns ◽

Maximum Temperature ◽

Forest Steppe ◽

Global Biodiversity Information Facility ◽

Scientific Papers ◽

Geometrid Moth ◽

Biodiversity Information

Geometrids are a species-rich group of moths that serve as reliable indicators for environmental changes. Little is known about the Mongolian moth fauna, and there is no comprehensive review of species richness, diversity, and distribution patterns of geometrid moths in the country. Our study aims to review the existing knowledge on geometrid moths in Mongolia. We compiled geometrid moth records from published scientific papers, our own research, and from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to produce a checklist of geometrid moths of Mongolia. Additionally, we analyzed spatial patterns, species richness, and diversity of geometrid moths within 14 ecoregions of Mongolia and evaluated environmental variables for their distribution. In total, we compiled 1973-point records of 388 geometrid species. The most species-rich ecoregion in Mongolia was Daurian Forest Steppe with 142 species. Annual precipitation and maximum temperature of the warmest month were the most important environmental variables that correlated with NMDS axes in an analysis of geometrid assemblages of different ecoregions in Mongolia.

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Environmental filtering and spillover explain multi-species edge responses across agricultural boundaries in a biosphere reserve

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-71724-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

J. van Schalkwyk ◽

J. S. Pryke ◽

M. J. Samways ◽

R. Gaigher

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Species Composition ◽

Habitat Quality ◽

Environmental Variables ◽

Natural Habitat ◽

Environmental Filtering ◽

Biosphere Reserve ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Habitat Specificity ◽

Induced Changes

Abstract To ensure integrity of protected areas we need to understand how species respond to anthropogenic borders. We investigate, from a metacommunity perspective, the direct and indirect mechanisms by which transformed areas affect distribution patterns of ground-living arthropod assemblages inhabiting an extensive protected area adjacent to fruit orchards in an important biosphere reserve. Arthropods and environmental variables were sampled along transects perpendicular to natural-orchard edges. Influence of distance from orchard boundary, degree of impermeability of the boundary, orchard habitat quality (local scale land-use intensity), and edge-induced changes in local environmental variables on arthropod species richness and composition in non-crop habitats were assessed. Arthropod groups were assessed in terms of habitat fidelity: species associated with natural habitat (stenotopic species), those within crop habitat (cultural species), and those showing no preference for either habitat (ubiquitous species). Spillover resulted in higher cultural species richness near edges, but not higher overall species richness. Environmental filtering was important for stenotopic species composition, which was influenced by edge-induced changes in environmental variables. Ubiquitous species composition was determined by orchard impermeability. Increased orchard habitat quality was associated with higher cultural and ubiquitous species richness. The effects of orchards on assemblages in natural habitats can be variable, but predictable when using species habitat specificity in conjunction with a metacommunity framework. High intensity orchards may act as sink habitats, especially for species that readily disperse between crop and natural habitats. Here we recommend that local buffer strips are > 85 m wide, which will reduce the influence of cultural species spillover on sensitive natural ecosystems.

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