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Larvae from deep-sea methane seeps disperse in surface waters
Shawn M Arellano1, Ahna L Van Gaest2, Shannon B Johnson3
1Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, PO Box 5389, Charleston, OR 97420, USA shawn.arellano@wwu.edu.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|May 16, 2014
Summary
Deep-sea mollusc larvae undertake long-distance dispersal by migrating to surface waters. This larval behavior explains the widespread distribution of species found at cold methane seeps.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Deep-Sea Ecology
- Larval Ecology
Background:
- Deep-sea species at methane seeps often exhibit wide geographical ranges.
- Larval dispersal is crucial for gene flow, but long ocean transit times pose challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dispersal mechanisms of deep-sea molluscs.
- To provide empirical evidence for larval migration strategies in cold-seep fauna.
Main Methods:
- Collecting larvae of Bathymodiolus childressi and Bathynerita naticoidea using remote-control plankton nets.
- Analyzing larval size and collection timing to infer dispersal duration and vertical migration.
Main Results:
- Larvae were found in the euphotic zone, hundreds of meters above the seafloor.
- Larval duration in the water column may exceed one year, with significant growth observed.
- This suggests ontogenetic vertical migration facilitating teleplanic dispersal.
Conclusions:
- Larval migration to surface waters enables long-distance dispersal for deep-sea molluscs.
- This mechanism explains the amphi-Atlantic distribution of some seep species.
- Provides the first empirical data linking larval behavior to genetic similarities in Atlantic seep fauna.
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