A network approach to identify bioregions in the distribution of Mediterranean amphipods associated with Posidonia oceanica meadows.

ABSTRACT: Although amphipods are key components of the macro-fauna associated with Posidonia oceanica meadows, to date no studies focused on the structure and diversity of their assemblages across the whole Mediterranean Sea. Here, we applied a network approach based on modularity on a dataset mined from literature to identify biogeographic modules and to assess the biogeographic roles of associated localities. We also correlated the patterns evidenced with the biogeographic distribution of amphipod groups by means of a multivariate analysis. Modularity analysis highlighted four biogeographic modules bounded by the main Mediterranean biogeographic divides and evidenced a decrease in species diversity along a NW-SE gradient. Assemblages associated with Central-Western Mediterranean and, to a l

SUBMITTER: Bellisario B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6485239 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature