The location, strength, and mechanisms behind marine biogeographic boundaries of the east coast of North America

• DOI: 10.1111/ecog.01135
• Publication Date: 2014-11-19T03:56:32Z
• Authors: Paula Pappalardo; James M. Pringle; John P. Wares; James E. Byers
• Keywords: Cape; Species distribution

Classic biogeographic studies emphasized differences in species composition between regions to define provinces and delimit boundaries. Here we analyze the permeability of boundaries different gain mechanistic insight into processes that maintain coastal ocean. We identify sites with high frequencies range using almost 1800 benthic marine invertebrates along northwestern Atlantic coast address whether their magnitude location vary as a function species’ taxonomy, pelagic larval duration depth distribution. observed clusters at Cape Hatteras, Cod Bay Fundy are largely independent taxonomic group. However, were permeable asymmetric, higher percentage shared across equatorward direction (82%) than reverse (59%). This pattern was particularly strong for shallow (median occurrence < 20 m). Pelagic more important explain distributions deep > m), where long dispersal had significantly short dispersal. When they do exist, seem be set by interaction currents, distribution duration. Importantly, tend pinned reduced water transport, which might why concentrated narrow geographical areas.