Biogeography and biodiversity of gastropod molluscs from the eastern Brazilian continental shelf and slope

Gabriela Benkendorfer, Abílio Soares-Gomes


DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol37-issue2-fulltext-3

Abstract


Biogeographic distributional patterns of gastropods are proposed based on the species’ geographic and bathymetric distribution. Samples were collected along the Brazilian continental margin between 18° S and 23° S, at 37 stations with depths from 20 m to 1,330 m. The analysis of the biogeographic distribution patterns confirmed the existence of a transitional zone from tropical to subtropical waters in the area of both the continental shelf and slope, suggesting a relationship with water mass circulation. We observed a high species turnover rate between the shelf and slope. The analysis of gastropod species distribution revealed a similar pattern on the shelf and slope and a large difference between shallow and deep-water faunas. 

Benkendorfer G, Soares-Gomes A. Biogeography and biodiversity of gastropod molluscs from the eastern Brazilian continental shelf and slope. Lat. Am. J. Aquat. Res.. 2017;37(2): 143-159. Available from: doi:10.3856/vol37-issue2-fulltext-3 [Accessed 16 Apr. 2024].
Benkendorfer, G., & Soares-Gomes, A. (2017). Biogeography and biodiversity of gastropod molluscs from the eastern Brazilian continental shelf and slope. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 37(2), 143-159. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3856/vol37-issue2-fulltext-3