The emergent geography of biophysical dispersal barriers across the Indo‐West Pacific

• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12307
• Publication Date: 2015-02-05T03:59:03Z
• Authors: Eric A. Treml; Jason Roberts; Patrick N. Halpin; Hugh P. Possingham; Cynthia Riginos
• Keywords: Seascape

Abstract Aim To discover and evaluate potential dispersal barriers across the Indo‐West Pacific Ocean to develop spatially explicit hypotheses regarding location of their capacity filter taxa. Additionally, compare model predictions with previously described build a more thorough understanding region's biogeographic patterns. Location The reefs Ocean, from 100 170°E 30°N 30°S. Methods A biophysical larval was used quantify over 800,000 kernels by simulating 99 Spatial analysis map emergent patterns multispecies population connectivity predict geographic locations strength concordant seascape. Results Although individual taxa varied in predicted fine‐scale connectivity, there consistency barriers. Across all trait combinations, reproductive output (fecundity density adults), strategy (spawning phenology) length phase determined More than 80% marine boundaries region were restrict at least 10% simulated many additional multitaxa scales <200 km. Main conclusions structure spatial analysis. permeability primarily output, spawning phenology pelagic stage. analysed, Euclidean distance explained up 49% variation barrier strength.