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Marine biogeographic realms and species endemicity

Author

Listed:
  • Mark J. Costello

    (University of Auckland
    University of Auckland)

  • Peter Tsai

    (University of Auckland)

  • Pui Shan Wong

    (University of Auckland)

  • Alan Kwok Lun Cheung

    (University of Auckland)

  • Zeenatul Basher

    (University of Auckland
    Michigan State University)

  • Chhaya Chaudhary

    (University of Auckland)

Abstract

Marine biogeographic realms have been inferred from small groups of species in particular environments (e.g., coastal, pelagic), without a global map of realms based on statistical analysis of species across all higher taxa. Here we analyze the distribution of 65,000 species of marine animals and plants, and distinguish 30 distinct marine realms, a similar proportion per area as found for land. On average, 42% of species are unique to the realms. We reveal 18 continental-shelf and 12 offshore deep-sea realms, reflecting the wider ranges of species in the pelagic and deep-sea compared to coastal areas. The most widespread species are pelagic microscopic plankton and megafauna. Analysis of pelagic species recognizes five realms within which other realms are nested. These maps integrate the biogeography of coastal and deep-sea, pelagic and benthic environments, and show how land-barriers, salinity, depth, and environmental heterogeneity relate to the evolution of biota. The realms have applications for marine reserves, biodiversity assessments, and as an evolution relevant context for climate change studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark J. Costello & Peter Tsai & Pui Shan Wong & Alan Kwok Lun Cheung & Zeenatul Basher & Chhaya Chaudhary, 2017. "Marine biogeographic realms and species endemicity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-017-01121-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01121-2
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    Cited by:

    1. Leon Dlugosch & Anja Poehlein & Bernd Wemheuer & Birgit Pfeiffer & Thomas H. Badewien & Rolf Daniel & Meinhard Simon, 2022. "Significance of gene variants for the functional biogeography of the near-surface Atlantic Ocean microbiome," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Marianna V. P. Simões & Hanieh Saeedi & Marlon E. Cobos & Angelika Brandt, 2021. "Environmental matching reveals non-uniform range-shift patterns in benthic marine Crustacea," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 168(3), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Catalina Pimiento & Camille Albouy & Daniele Silvestro & Théophile L. Mouton & Laure Velez & David Mouillot & Aaron B. Judah & John N. Griffin & Fabien Leprieur, 2023. "Functional diversity of sharks and rays is highly vulnerable and supported by unique species and locations worldwide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Kathrin Busch & Beate M. Slaby & Wolfgang Bach & Antje Boetius & Ina Clefsen & Ana Colaço & Marie Creemers & Javier Cristobo & Luisa Federwisch & Andre Franke & Asimenia Gavriilidou & Andrea Hethke & , 2022. "Biodiversity, environmental drivers, and sustainability of the global deep-sea sponge microbiome," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, December.

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