Trophic convergence of marine vertebrate communities worldwide.

ABSTRACT: Biogeographic regions arise due to constraints on species ranges, fostering lineage divergence as a result. Yet, convergent evolution means that evolutionary distinct lineages can share similar characteristics when subjected to similar environmental conditions. The ecological convergence of distinct regions has been demonstrated in terrestrial communities, but it remains uncertain if marine systems exhibit similar patterns, given the greater ease of dispersal in the ocean. Using information on the dietary preferences of marine vertebrates, we develop an ocean regionalization that groups regions with similar trophic communities, describing how species are organized into trophic guilds and how guilds overlap with one another. Six types of trophic communities emerge globally, largely explaine

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez-Trujillo JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12054789 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature