Marine fish diversity in Tropical America associated with both past and present environmental conditions

• DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13985
• Publication Date: 2020-10-28T21:47:43Z
• Authors: Andrea Polanco F.; Fabian Fopp; Camille Albouy; Philipp Brun; Lydian Boschman; Loïc Pellissier
• Keywords: Nestedness; Demersal fish

Abstract Aim Tropical America, including the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, presents a high level of marine biodiversity, but its fish fauna has been poorly documented. In early studies species distributions were interpreted based on tectonic activity during late Cenozoic, while more recent have highlighted link with present‐day environment. Here, we described assemblage richness composition fishes in America related these properties to both past evolution environmental conditions current gradients. Location America. Taxon Demersal benthic fishes. Methods We mapped distribution 2,216 demersal using existing occurrence data. computed three indicators: richness, nestedness, which explained by linked compositional distance differences distance‐based redundancy analysis, nestedness generalized linear model. ran simulations mechanistic model processes determine spatial dynamics biodiversity: speciation, dispersal extinction. This yielded estimates for following palaeogeographic changes region that shaped coastal habitat configuration. Results Fish peaks around Florida Peninsula, Bahamas Greater Antilles. varies along depth gradient, between forms distinct domains within region. The component β‐diversity is lower shallower assemblages, especially those outer section Caribbean. Species are partly conditions, illustrate how this may be further history Main conclusions Caribbean, coinciding generally favourable low assemblages Cuba compatible results palaeo‐environmental occurred area. Effects plate might still present organization