Population genetics at three spatial scales of a rare sponge living in fragmented habitats |
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Authors: | Andrea Blanquer Maria J Uriz |
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Institution: | 1.Departament d'Ecologia Marina,Centre d'Estudis Avan?ats de Blanes, CSIC. Accés Cala St Francesc,Blanes,Spain |
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Abstract: | Background Rare species have seldom been studied in marine habitats, mainly because it is difficult to formally assess the status of
rare species, especially in patchy benthic organisms, for which samplings are often assumed to be incomplete and, thus, inappropriate
for establishing the real abundance of the species. However, many marine benthic invertebrates can be considered rare, due
to the fragmentation and rarity of suitable habitats. Consequently, studies on the genetic connectivity of rare species in
fragmented habitats are basic for assessing their risk of extinction, especially in the context of increased habitat fragmentation
by human activities. Sponges are suitable models for studying the intra- and inter-population genetic variation of rare invertebrates,
as they produce lecitotrophic larvae and are often found in fragmented habitats. |
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