Body traits variation of a reef building polychaete across a latitudinal gradient.
Mar Environ Res
; 194: 106334, 2024 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38176119
ABSTRACT
Body size is considered the most important trait in ecology, and as such, helps to understand the species-environment interactions. We explored the relationship between body traits and environmental variables along a gradient range using the polychaete Phragmatopoma caudata, with well-defined and diversified morphological structures. Measurements of five traits (body length, opercular crown, branchiae, tentacles and building organ sizes) were taken at nine sites along the Southwestern Atlantic coast and their relationships to temperature, salinity, tidal range, waves height, and dissolved oxygen were assessed. Our results demonstrate that traits were influenced by the environmental gradient and temperature was the main factor that drives this variation in body traits, while the other variables showed a minor influence on this. The approach showed patterns of variation of body traits in a macroscale context, increasing the understanding of its relationships with environmental variables and eventual shifts in the distribution in the future climate scenarios.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Clima
/
Ecologia
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article