Comparative biogeography of echinoids, bivalves and gastropods from the S outhern O cean

A comparative biogeographical analysis of echinoids, bivalves, and gastropods from the Southern Ocean reveals distinct faunal provinces that align with oceanographic currents and historical marine seaways. The study identifies three primary provinces for echinoids and bivalves—New Zealand, southern South America and sub-Antarctic islands, and Antarctica—and five for gastropods, including additional subdivisions within Antarctica (West and East). These patterns support hypotheses of past connections between the Amundsen–Bellingshausen area, Weddell Sea, and Ross Sea. The research employed a non-hierarchical clustering method, bootstrapped spanning network (BSN), to analyze taxonomic similarities at species and genus levels across 14 bioregions, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying both strong faunal groupings and transitional areas. This approach also highlights potential dispersal routes, offering insights into present and past marine connectivity.

Pierrat, B., Saucède, T., Brayard, A., & David, B. (2013). Comparative biogeography of echinoids, bivalves and gastropods from the Southern Ocean. Journal of Biogeography, 40(7), 1374–1385. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12088