Intertidal clams exhibit population synchrony across spatial and temporal scales.

ABSTRACT: Long-term datasets can be particularly useful for parsing out factors influencing populations, yet few studies have utilized continuous datasets to quantify population dynamics in bivalve molluscs. We used dynamic factor analysis on a clam biomass dataset spanning 28 yr and five distinct regions in the southern Salish Sea to determine (1) if native intertidal clam populations exhibit synchrony and (2) what environmental covariates may be correlated with these population trends. Once covariates were accounted for, the model with the most data support included three predominant trends to describe multidecadal change in clam biomass. Intraspecific synchrony was highest among Saxidomus gigantea and Leukoma staminea populations, with no clear evidence of covariance in Clinocardium nuttal

SUBMITTER: Barber JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6472620 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature