Spatial patterns of disparity and diversity of the Recent cuttlefishes (Cephalopoda) across the Old World

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2699.2003.00918.x
• Publication Date: 2003-07-23T20:46:34Z
• Authors: Pascal Neige
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 14. Life underwater; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Abstract Aim Diversity and disparity metrics of all Recent cuttlefishes are studied at the macroevolutionary scale (1) to establish geographical biodiversity patterns these cephalopods species level (2) explore relationships between two metrics. Location Sampling uses what is known about tropical, subtropical warm temperate Old World based on a literature review measurements museum specimens. Some 111 spread across seventeen biogeographical areas serve as basic units for exploring diversity in space. Methods Landmarks describe shape cuttlebone (the inner shell sepiids) differences shapes quantified using relative warp analyses. Relative warps thus used morphological axis constructing morphospaces whose characteristics described by indices: total variance, range, minimum maximum warps. These analysed then compared with (species richness) metric. Results show no significant latitudinal or longitudinal gradients either disparity. Around coast southern Africa, high regardless whether low. In ‘East Indies’ area low despite diversity. Main conclusions The relationship clearly not linear simple adjustment models seem fit. number given does predict its level. particular pattern Africa may be result paleogeographical changes since Eocene, whereas that indicate this could act centre origin. However, lack any clear phylogenetical hypothesis precludes study from providing explanation observed patterns.