Regional-scale assembly rules and biodiversity of coral reefs
Bellwood, D.R.; Hughes, T.P. (2001). Regional-scale assembly rules and biodiversity of coral reefs. Science (Wash.) 292(5521): 1532-1535
In: Science (Washington). American Association for the Advancement of Science: New York, N.Y. ISSN 0036-8075; e-ISSN 1095-9203, more
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| Keywords |
Biodiversity
Reefs > Biogenic deposits > Coral reefs
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Bellwood, D.R.
- Hughes, T.P.
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| Abstract |
Tropical reef fishes and corals exhibit highly predictable patterns of taxonomic composition across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Despite steep longitudinal and latitudinal gradients in total species richness, the composition of these key taxa is constrained within a remarkably narrow range of values. Regional-scale variation in reef biodiversity is best explained by large-scale patterns in the availability of shallow-water habitat. Once habitat area is accounted for, there is surprisingly little residual effect of latitude or longitude. Low-diversity regions are most vulnerable to human impacts such as global warming, underscoring the urgent need for integrated management at multinational scales. |
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