Vegetation formations and associations of the zonobiomes along the North American Pacific coast

This phytosociological study, carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet method and supported by cluster analysis, describes Walter's zonobiomes along the North American Pacific coast between British Columbia (Canada) and Baja California Sur (Mexico). Fourteen floristic associations have been identified and each is characterized by a unique floristic combination, a distinctive geographical range and particular bioclimatic conditions.Abbreviations of the associations that appear in table and figures AE Fraxino trifoliatae-Aesculetum parryi - AM Ambrosio chenopodifoliae-Larreetum tridentatae - BE Bergerocacto emoryi-Agavetum shawii - CA Calystegio intermediae-Ceanothetum megacarpi - CE Cercidio praecocis-Prosopidetum palmeri - CY Antigono leptopi-Cyrtocarpetum edulis - DU Malosmo laurinae-Quercetum dumosae - ID Agavo cerulatae-Idrietum columnaris - LO Lonicero denudatae-Quercetum agrifoliae - OX Oxalido oreganae-Sequoietum sempervirentis - RO Roso minutifoliae-Aesculetum parryi - TH Thujo plicatae-Tsugetum heterophyllae - UM Umbellulario californicae-Quercetum agrifoliae - YU Yucco validae-Fouquierietum diguetii     

A hierarchical ecological classification system along the NE Atlantic coast: focusing on the local scale (Cantabria,N Spain)

An ecological classification at the local scale may be a useful tool for conservation planning and for the implementation of specific management programmes in a region. For this purpose, a methodology previously applied on a small scale has been adapted to classify the coast of Cantabria (N Spain). This methodology includes a physical classification and biological validation. The shoreline was divided into 1 km stretches, and the abiotic variables (sea surface temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, significant wave height and coastal morphology) were recorded for each stretch. A hierarchical classification was proposed, with a first level that encompassed a grouping of quantitative variables based on SOM and k-mean analysis and a second level that subdivided the previous groups according to the categorical variable ‘coastal morphology’. To validate the classification using biological data, cover of intertidal macroalgal species was obtained at 14 sites along the study area, and several statistical analyses were applied to test the ecological significance of this classification. Three physical units were obtained (western (W), central (C) and eastern (E) coast), based on abiotic variables. Each group was then subdivided into subunits according to its coastal morphology (cliffs or wave-cut platforms). A general agreement between the macroalgal distribution and physical units was accomplished. In the lower intertidal, Bifurcaria bifurcata and Halopteris scoparia dominated the western and central areas, whereas Corallina spp./Ellisolandia elongata and Gelidium spp. were most abundant towards the east. In contrast, throughout the middle intertidal, Corallina. spp./E. elongata were the dominant taxa. The classification system developed in this study completes a hierarchical framework for classifying the NE Atlantic coast, a promising approach that permits the application of the most suitable resolution in each case study that could be applicable to a wide range of coastal areas.     

Biogeographical patterns of rocky intertidal communities along the Pacific coast of North America

Aim Our aim in this paper is to present the first broad‐scale quantification of species abundance for rocky intertidal communities along the Pacific coast of North America. Here we examine the community‐level marine biogeographical patterns in the context of formerly described biogeographical regions, and we evaluate the combined effects of geographical distance and environmental conditions on patterns of species similarity across this region. Location Pacific coast of North America. Methods Data on the percentage cover of benthic marine organisms were collected at 67 rocky intertidal sites from south‐eastern Alaska, USA, to central Baja California Sur, Mexico. Cluster analysis and non‐metric multidimensional scaling were used to evaluate the spatial patterns of species similarity among sites relative to those of previously defined biogeographical regions. Matrices of similarity in species composition among all sites were computed and analysed with respect to geographical distance and long‐term mean sea surface temperature (SST) as a measure of environmental conditions. Results We found a high degree of spatial structure in the similarity of intertidal communities along the coast. Cluster analysis identified 13 major community structure ‘groups’. Although breaks between clusters of sites generally occurred at major biogeographical boundaries, some of the larger biogeographical regions contained several clusters of sites that did not group according to spatial position or identifiable coastal features. Additionally, there were several outliers – sites that grouped alone or with sites outside their region – for which localized features may play an important role in driving community structure. Patterns of species similarity at the large scale were highly correlated with geographical distance among sites and with SST. Importantly, we found community similarity to be highly correlated with long‐term mean SST while controlling for the effects of geographical distance. Main conclusions These findings reveal a high degree of spatial structure in the similarity of rocky intertidal communities of the north‐east Pacific, and are generally consistent with those of previously described biogeographical regions, with some notable differences. Breaks in similarity among clusters are generally coincident with known biogeographical and oceanographic discontinuities. The strong correlations between species similarity and both geographical position and SST suggest that both geography and oceanographic conditions have a large influence on patterns of intertidal community structure along the Pacific coast of North America.     

苏北沿海滩涂养殖湿地磷化氢的释放及其影响因素

利用静态暗箱采样方法和气相色谱-氮磷检测器(GC-NPD)分析技术测定了苏北沿海滩涂养殖湿地区域磷化氢的释放通量,研究了其季节和空间变化特征,并探讨了其潜在的影响因素。结果表明,各季节磷化氢释放通量的高低排序为:8月份5月份11月份2月份,其变化范围分别为16.5—168.9、8.3—105.9、8.2—64.5和-19.5—49.6 ng m-2h-1,平均值分别为65.0、36.5、25.9和16.4 ng m-2h-1;空间变化明显,各季节的平均值,b10站位最高,b3次之,b5和b8站位相对较低。磷化氢释放通量与沉积环境因子的相关性分析显示,释放通量与TP、IP、OP、OC、TN、SC和T有较好的线性正相关关系(相关系数R分别为0.807、0.579、0.828、0.825、0.467、0.605和0.551,P值0.01),与Eh有较好的线性负相关关系(R为-0.774,P值0.01),表明在研究调查区域,较高的磷、碳、氮、硫组分含量,较高的温度和较低的氧化还原电位更有利于磷化氢的释放过程。     

Vegetation formations and associations of the zonobiomes along the North American Pacific coast: from northern California to Alaska

This phytosociological study, carried out according to the Braun–Blanquet method and supported by cluster analysis, describes Walter's zonobiomes along the North American Pacific coast between the California–Oregon state border and Alaska (USA), including some interior zones of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory (Canada). Twenty two floristic associations are identified and each is characterized by a unique floristic combination, a distinctive geographical range and particular bioclimatic or edaphic conditions.     

Taxonomy,natural history and zoogeography of sand beach isopods from the coast of Southern Chile

Seven species of marine isopods were collected on sandy beaches of Southern Chile (from about 37° S until 42° S). From these, Excirolana hirsuticauda Menzies, Excirolana monodi Carvacho, Chaetilia paucidens Menzies, Macrochiridothea setifer Menzies and M. mehuinensis Jaramillo are known only from the Chilean coasts. Another species, Excirolana braziliensis Richardson, is known from other areas of American coasts. One species is identified here as Macrochiridothea aff. lilianae by its resemblance with M. lilianae Moreira from Southern Brazil. All these species are here briefly described and some aspects of their ecology added. Also Zoogeographic characterization of the studied area is discussed in relation to the distributional patterns of isopods living in them.     

Hard rock versus soft bottom: the fauna associated with intertidal mussel beds on hard bottoms along the coast of Chile,and considerations on the functional role of mussel beds

The fauna associated with hard bottom mussel beds along the exposed Pacific coast of Chile was examined. The abundance of adult (>10 mm body length) purple mussels Perumytilus purpuratus varied between 32 and 75 individuals per 50 cm², and their biomass between 4.8 and 8.6 g AFDW per 50 cm² at eight sampling sites between Arica (18°S) and Chiloé (42°S). At all sampling sites, the associated fauna was dominated by suspension-feeding organisms (cirripeds, spionid and sabellid polychaetes, a small bivalve) followed by grazing peracarids and gastropods. Predators and scavengers also reached high abundances while deposit- and detritus-feeding organisms were of minor importance. The majority of organisms associated with these hard bottom mussel beds feed on resources obtained from the water column or growing on the mussels rather than on materials deposited by the mussels. This is in contrast to the fauna associated with mussel beds on soft bottoms, which comprises many species feeding on material accumulated by mussels (faeces and pseudofaeces) and deposited within the mussel bed. Many of the organisms dwelling between mussels both on hard bottoms and on soft bottoms have direct development, but organisms with pelagic development also occur abundantly within mussel beds. We propose that species with direct development are disproportionately favoured by the structurally complex habitat with diverse interstitial spaces between the mussels, which provides ample shelter for small organisms. We conclude that mussels on hard-bottoms primarily provide substratum for associated fauna while mussels on soft bottoms provide both substratum and food resources. Electronic Publication     

Shellfish subsidies along the Pacific coast of North America

Spatial subsidies are associated with pronounced ecosystem responses, as nutrients cross ecological boundaries and cascade through food webs. While the importance of subsidies is known, the role of shellfish, specifically molluscs, as a marine subsidy has not been formally described. Focusing primarily on the Pacific coast of North America, we identify vectors that transport shellfish-derived nutrients into coastal terrestrial environments, including birds, mammals, and over 13 000 yr of marine resource use by people. Evidence from recipient ecosystems suggests shellfish drastically influence soil chemistry, forest productivity and the diversity of primary producers at the regional and landscape level. Responses in higher trophic levels have not yet been investigated, but given documented responses in lower trophic levels, this may be due to a lack of examination. To determine if the processes we describe within the northeast Pacific are pertinent to coastal environments worldwide, we also explore shellfish subsidies globally, with a specific focus on temperate and tropical islands. As shellfish are not as spatially or temporally constrained as other subsidies, our examination suggests our findings are applicable to many other geographical regions along the marine–terrestrial interface.     

PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY OF MARINE MACROALGAL FUNCTIONAL-FORM GROUPS FROM SOUTHWESTERN NORTH AMERICA1

New productivity data are given for 62 macroalgal species from 6 intertidal habitats spanning a latitudinal range of nearly twelve degrees on the Pacific Coast of south-western North America. Our data, utilizing a functional-form group approach, support an hypothesis relating morphological forms to photosynthetic performances. Specifically, the Sheet-Group showed the highest productivity (mean apparent net photo synthetic performance = 5.16 mg C · g^?1· h^?1) with a reduction of ca. two-fold between each of the following four groups: Filamentous-Group (2.47), Coarsely Branched-Group (1.30), Thick Leathery-Group (0.76) and Jointed Calcareous-Group (0.45). The Crustose-Group had by far the lowest mean net productivity being only 0.07 mg C · g^?1· h^?1. The-functional-form group approach is a promising tool for predicting the outcome of productivity-related ecological and evolutionary processes without being restricted temporally, geographically or taxonomically.     

Community structure of an assemblage of tidepool fishes on a tropical eastern Pacific rocky shore, Colombia

The composition, abundance, species richness and diversity of a rocky intertidal fish assemblage in the central zone of the Pacific coast of Colombia were determined. From July to December 2002, 10 tidepools with volumes ranging from 0·087 to 1·350 m³ were surveyed. A total of 893 fishes belonging to 14 species and 12 families were found. The most abundant species were Bathygobius ramosus and Abudefduf concolor , representing 71% of all fishes collected. Bathy gobius ramosus , Malacoctenus zonifer and Gobiesox adustus were residents, Abudefduf concolor , Abudefduf troschelii , Microsphatodon bairdii , Chaenomugil proboscideus , Halichoeres aestuaricola and Echidna nocturna were transients, and Apogon dovii , Sargocentron suborbitalis , Cerdale sp, Rypticus nigripinnis and Ctenochaetus marginatus were considered as accidental visitors. The temporal and spatial variation of assemblage structure was tested. The fish assemblage structure did not differ between months and there was not a clear relationship between tidepool surface area and depth, and community variables. Diversity and species richness were negatively correlated with tidepool height. It is suggested that the tidepool assemblage was stable and resilient in time on short (annual) scales. The constancy in time and space could have been a consequence of eurytopic features of the organisms and the lack of drastic seasonal changes in the tropics.     

Patterns of endemism in south-eastern Pacific benthic polychaetes of the Chilean coast

Aim In this study we evaluate patterns of endemism for benthic polychaete species along the southeastern Pacific coast of Chile. Our goals were (1) to describe latitudinal gradients of endemism and identify areas of high endemism, (2) to evaluate the effect of biogeographical limits on endemism patterns, and (3) to evaluate indirectly the role played by evolutionary dynamics on patterns of endemism. Location South‐eastern Pacific coast of Chile, ranging from Arica (18° S) to Cape Horn (56° S). Methods We used a list of 178 species of endemic, shallow benthic polychaetes to evaluate patterns of endemism. Parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) and the endemism index (EI) were used to evaluate hierarchical relationships of endemism between different latitudinal bands, and to identify areas with high degrees of endemism and differences in endemism. We evaluated the effect of biogeographical limits on endemic polychaete fauna by testing for the existence of geometric constraints (mid‐domain effect). The role of evolutionary dynamics on latitudinal patterns of endemism was evaluated with nestedness analysis (NA) using the temperature index. Results The PAE analysis indicated two large, separate areas of endemism: (1) the northern area between 18° S and 38° S, and (2) the southern area between 39° S and 56° S. The endemism index showed a maximum value (32 species) around 39°–41° S. Species‐richness curves of each 3° band of latitude showed a clear mid‐domain effect (69%), but the two maximum points of species richness at mid‐latitudes (36° S to 38° S and 39° S to 41° S) did not correspond to the mid‐domain peak in species richness, presenting a greater number of species than expected by the mid‐domain effect. The nestedness analysis showed that the number of genera reaches a maximum of 70 at mid‐latitudes (36°–41° S), decreasing towards both the northern and southern areas. The spatial distribution of the entire data set of endemic species showed a nested pattern (T° = 24.5°, P < 0.0001). Main conclusions Our results strongly support the existence of a latitudinal gradient of endemism for benthic polychaete species along the Chilean coast. The shape of this gradient is clearly non‐linear, with a marked peak of endemism occurring at mid‐latitudes (36°–41° S, endemism hotspot), which also corresponds to a peak in species richness. Furthermore, this hotspot is the midpoint separating two distinct areas of endemism to the north and south. We suggest that the observed pattern of endemism for benthic polychaete taxa of the Chilean coast can be explained by a combination of geometric constraints and historical mechanisms, such as the processes that affected the Chilean coast during the Neogene (e.g. ENSO, oxygen minimum zone, glaciations).     

Black-browed albatross foraging on jellyfish prey in the southeast Pacific coast,southern Chile

Direct observations on Black-browed albatross (BBA, Thalassarche melanophrys) feeding have been barely informed. An item considered scarce in the Diomedeidae diets is jellyfishes, due to the impossibility of recognizing them from bird regurgitates or their feces. By means of direct visual records, BBAs were seen capturing jellyfish in southern Chilean coasts (40°S). These birds used the surface seizing method over short periods (<13 s), feeding mainly on jellyfish umbrella. The prey corresponds to the family Ulmaridae, neritic cnidarians distributed in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Difficulties arose when determining the identity of cnidarians to species level mainly due to the lack of reference material on Chile and few studies on this region. The present contribution helps to add to the few registers of the in situ feeding activity of BBAs in the waters of the southeast Pacific Ocean.     

Effects of wave energy on the residence times of a fluorescent tracer in the canopy of the intertidal marine macroalgae,Sargassum fusiforme (Phaeophyceae)

We determined the relationship between the residence times of water within the canopy of the intertidal macroalgae, Sargassum fusiforme (Harvey) Setchell to the energy caused by hydrodynamic mixing. We measured the residence times (t) of fluorescein dye injected into the canopy (31 ± 9 ind/quadrat; canopy plan form area 6 × 1 m²) to estimate the length of time gametes persist within the canopy. The total kinetic energy (TKE) and wave energy (WE) was measured during dye dispersal, which ranged from 0.002 to 0.009 m²/s² and 0.001 to 0.016 m²/s², respectively. The experiments revealed that the canopy significantly (P < 0.0001) increased t, which was 56 ± 35 s inside of the canopy compared with 14 ± 4 s outside. Moreover, the relationship between t and energy could be statistically modeled with a power function, and for the results inside of the canopy, t = 3.67 TKE^?0.50 for turbulent kinetic energy and t = 1.83 WE^?0.38 for wave energy. Outside of the canopy, t = 0.98 TKE^?0.50 and t = 1.83 WE^?0.38 Based on the values of t determined for within the canopy, we developed a dispersion model to explore how gametes dispersed within the canopy. The estimated dispersion coefficient (D) with respect to WE, could be modeled as D = 403 WE^0.55 and ranged from 10 to 42 cm²/s for the WE examined in the study. Areal gamete densities modeled in the canopy increased in density for increasing WE at short (0.5 h) durations of gamete discharge; however, the relationship reversed above 2 h of discharge.     

Zonobiomes, zonoecotones and azonal vegetation along the Pacific coast of North America

In this study of the Pacific coast of North America, from Baja California to Alaska, we evaluated the hypothesis that the floristic composition of azonal vegetation determines areas and distribution limits similar to those of the corresponding zonobiomes (ZB), and does so in response to the same macroclimatic changes occurring on the continental scale. To this end, 686 vascular plants of the different habitats found in 279 sites along this coastal strip were recorded. Using an objective classification system (Average Linkage Clustering) and factorial analysis, floristic data acquired in fieldwork were classified into groups, which were in turn related to regional macroclimates. Our main finding was that the azonal coastal vegetation follows a distribution model that is closely linked to the corresponding macroclimate. The four ZB of the northern Pacific coast show a flora and azonal vegetation characteristic to each zonobiome; the latitudinal limits of the azonal vegetation practically coinciding with those already established for the zonal vegetation. The Boreal and Temperate ZB show high percentages of broadly distributed elements. The floristically richest zonobiome in terms of endemic taxa is the Mediterranean zonobiome, whereas the flora of Baja California is characterized by a high number of taxa related to Neotropical flora, especially to those showing links with South America. Data on the geographical distribution and habitats of the 247 most significant coastal species are also provided.     

Levels of genetic variability in sculpins (Gottidae: Teleostei) of the North American Pacific coast and an assessment of potential correlates

We examined levels of allozymic variation in intertidal sculpins of the genera Oligocottus, Clinocottus and Artedius. Variability in these species, as assessed by the proportion of loci polymorphic and average heterozygosity per locus, was generally low but within the range of values observed for other fish groups. In reviewing the ecological and life-history attributes of these sculpins, we found only one outstanding correlate of allozyme variability–larger-bodied species tended to have lower levels of variation. Also, the level of heterozygosity was not related in any obvious way to historical/ evolutionary aspects such as position in phylogenetic trees or the inferred relative ages of species. Our study of a relatively well-defined lineage of fishes that co-occur in the same geographical region and in the same, or broadly similar, habitats, underscores the difficulty of detecting correlations between genetic variability and seemingly relevant ecological features of species.     

Bacteriohopanepolyols along redox gradients in the Humboldt Current System off northern Chile

Marine oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) are characterized by the presence of subsurface suboxic or anoxic waters where diverse microbial processes are responsible for the removal of fixed nitrogen. OMZs have expanded over past decades and are expected to continue expanding in response to the changing climate. The implications for marine biogeochemistry, particularly nitrogen cycling, are uncertain. Cell membrane lipids (biomarkers), such as bacterial bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs) and their degradation products (hopanoids), have distinctive structural attributes that convey information about their biological sources. Since the discovery of fossil hopanoids in ancient sediments, the study of BHPs has been of great biogeochemical interest due to their potential to serve as proxies for bacteria in the geological record. A stereoisomer of bacteriohopanetetrol (BHT), BHT II, has been previously identified in OMZ waters and has as been unequivocally identified in culture enrichments of anammox bacteria, a key group contributing to nitrogen loss in marine OMZs. We tested BHT II as a proxy for suboxia/anoxia and anammox bacteria in suspended organic matter across OMZ waters of the Humboldt Current System off northern Chile, as well as in surface and deeply buried sediments (125–150 ky). The BHT II ratio (BHT II/total BHT) increases as oxygen content decreases through the water column, consistent with previous results from Perú, the Cariaco Basin and the Arabian Sea, and in line with microbiological evidence indicating intense anammox activity in the Chilean OMZ. Notably, BHT II is transported from the water column to surface sediments, and preserved in deeply buried sediments, where the BHT II ratio correlates with changes in δ¹⁵N sediment values during glacial–interglacial transitions. This study suggests that BHT II offers a proxy for past changes in the relative importance of anammox, and fluctuations in nitrogen cycling in response to ocean redox changes through the geological record.     

The fate of the Arctic seaweed Fucus distichus under climate change: an ecological niche modeling approach

Rising temperatures are predicted to melt all perennial ice cover in the Arctic by the end of this century, thus opening up suitable habitat for temperate and subarctic species. Canopy‐forming seaweeds provide an ideal system to predict the potential impact of climate‐change on rocky‐shore ecosystems, given their direct dependence on temperature and their key role in the ecological system. Our primary objective was to predict the climate‐change induced range‐shift of Fucus distichus, the dominant canopy‐forming macroalga in the Arctic and subarctic rocky intertidal. More specifically, we asked: which Arctic/subarctic and cold‐temperate shores of the northern hemisphere will display the greatest distributional change of F. distichus and how will this affect niche overlap with seaweeds from temperate regions? We used the program MAXENT to develop correlative ecological niche models with dominant range‐limiting factors and 169 occurrence records. Using three climate‐change scenarios, we projected habitat suitability of F. distichus – and its niche overlap with three dominant temperate macroalgae – until year 2200. Maximum sea surface temperature was identified as the most important factor in limiting the fundamental niche of F. distichus. Rising temperatures were predicted to have low impact on the species' southern distribution limits, but to shift its northern distribution limits poleward into the high Arctic. In cold‐temperate to subarctic regions, new areas of niche overlap were predicted between F. distichus and intertidal macroalgae immigrating from the south. While climate‐change threatens intertidal seaweeds in warm‐temperate regions, seaweed meadows will likely flourish in the Arctic intertidal. Although this enriches biodiversity and opens up new seaweed‐harvesting grounds, it will also trigger unpredictable changes in the structure and functioning of the Arctic intertidal ecosystem.     

Speciation and dispersal along continental coastlines and island arcs in the Indo-West Pacific turbinid gastropod genus Lunella

Species trees were produced for the Indo-West Pacific (IWP) gastropod genus Lunella using MrBayes, BEAST, and *BEAST with sequence data from four genes. Three fossil records were used to calibrate a molecular clock. Eight cryptic species were recognized using statistical methods for species delimitation in combination with morphological differences. However, our results suggest caution in interpreting ESUs defined solely by the general mixed Yule Coalescent model in genera like Lunella, with lower dispersal abilities. Four almost entirely allopatric species groups were recovered that differ in ecology and distribution. Three groups occur predominantly along continental coastlines and one occurs on island arrays. Sympatric species occur only in the torquata and coronata groups along coastlines, whereas species in the cinerea group, distributed in two-dimensional island arrays, occur in complete allopatry. Dispersal along island arcs has been important in the maintenance of species distributions and gene flow among populations in the cinerea group. The emergence of new islands and their eventual subsidence over geological time has had important consequences for the isolation of populations and the eventual rise of new species in Lunella.     

The costs of migration: Injuries in migratory waterbirds along the west coast of India

The long distant, transcontinental migration of shorebirds entails many well identified costs in terms of time, energy, and direct mortality risk. Injuries from debris or from human structures and activities were observed as the major reasons for the direct mortality of shorebirds during migration worldwide. We recorded injured birds in major coastal wetlands of Kerala, for a period of 15 years from 2005 to 2019. The injured birds were observed in 9 different sites in various districts of Kerala. The highest instances of injuries were observed in Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve, the major wintering and stop over site of migrant shorebirds in the west coast of India. During the study period, fifty-eight individuals of shorebirds belonging to four families were found to be injured. The highest proportion of injuries was recorded among the families Scolopacidae and Charadriidae comprising long distance migrant shorebird species and the lowest among Laridae and Ardeidae. We recommend that environmental authorities pay special attention to minimize anthropogenic debris along the flyways used by migratory birds thereby reducing the risk of injuries to some of these species. Proactive measures such as removal of discarded fishing gear or plastic debris from wintering areas as well as stopover areas could greatly reduce injuries in migratory birds arising from anthropogenic sources.