Latitudinal gradients in Scrobicularia plana reproduction patterns, population dynamics, growth, and secondary production

Abstract

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 442:271-283 (2011) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09361 REVIEW Latitudinal gradients in Scrobicularia plana reproduction patterns, population dynamics, growth, and secondary production Tiago Verdelhos1,2,*, P. G. Cardoso1, M. Dolbeth1,2, M. A. Pardal2 1Institute of Marine Research (IMAR), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal 2Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal *Email: tverdelhos@ci.uc.pt ABSTRACT: The bivalve Scrobicularia plana is a dominant species in terms of biomass and productivity in intertidal soft-substrate benthic communities along the NE Atlantic area. As such, it constitutes an important link in the food web and as a human food source, with high commercial and economic value. Several studies have suggested the existence of latitudinal variation in the ecological patterns of the species along its geographic distribution range. In the present study, a review and a comparison among previous studies on this species were performed. The resulting patterns of reproduction, population dynamics, growth and secondary production were analysed, and possible relationships between latitude and S. plana's ecological patterns and life strategies assessed. Results suggest the existence of different life strategies, depending on temperature, latitudinal gradient and local habitat conditions. Higher-latitude populations usually exhibit low abundance values, shorter reproduction periods and a 'slower' lifestyle, with lower growth rates (0.1 < k < 0.2, where k is a growth coefficient), extended lifespan and lower productivity. Areas between 40 and 45°N seem to present optimal ecological conditions, with the highest abundance values registered, longer reproduction periods, 'faster' growth (0.3 < k < 0.8) and higher productivity, while further south, populations showed lower abundance, productivity and growth rates. KEY WORDS: Latitude · Scrobicularia plana · Ecological patterns Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Verdelhos T, Cardoso PG, Dolbeth M, Pardal MA (2011) Latitudinal gradients in Scrobicularia plana reproduction patterns, population dynamics, growth, and secondary production. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 442:271-283. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09361 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 442. Online publication date: December 05, 2011 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2011 Inter-Research.