Density of intertidal barnacles along their full elevational range of distribution conforms to the abundant-centre hypothesis.

ABSTRACT: The abundant-centre hypothesis (ACH) predicts that the density of a species should peak at its distribution centre and decrease similarly towards distribution margins. The ACH has been deduced from a theory that postulates that environmental conditions should be most favourable for a species at the centre of its distribution. This idealised density pattern, however, has been supported by limited field studies, as natural patterns are often more complex. It is thus of interest to examine under what conditions compliance with the ACH could be favoured. Such conditions could be smooth environmental gradients with limited habitat patchiness throughout the distribution range of a species. Thus, we tested the ACH by measuring the density of an intertidal barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides)

SUBMITTER: Scrosati RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6451436 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature