Interocean patterns in shallow water sponge assemblage structure and function.

Area of Science:

• Marine Ecology
• Benthic Ecosystems
• Invertebrate Biology

Background:

• Sponges are crucial benthic ecosystem components with diverse functional roles globally.
• Few studies have compared sponge assemblage structure and ecological functions across large spatial scales.
• Understanding sponge ecology requires a comprehensive, large-scale perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine commonalities and differences in shallow water sponge ecology across bioregional and macroregional scales.
• To provide a more comprehensive understanding of global sponge ecology.
• To identify geographic biases and gaps in current sponge research.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on sponge assemblages and ecological functions.
• Analysis of sponge abundance (density, percentage cover), species richness, morphology, associated fauna, reproduction, larval characteristics, and ecological interactions.
• Comparison across 15 bioregions and 4 macroregions (tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, polar).

Main Results:

• Sponge abundance and percentage cover varied significantly, with higher cover in Mediterranean and polar macroregions.
• Sponge densities were highest in temperate bioregions; species richness was generally similar, with exceptions for high-biodiversity hotspots.
• Encrusting forms dominated globally, except in the Tropical West Atlantic; Annelids and Arthropods were common associated fauna; viviparity increased from temperate to polar regions.

Conclusions:

• Despite regional variations in sponge traits and functions, global similarities in assemblage structure and function exist.
• These patterns likely result from a combination of regional/local processes and common ancestry.
• Significant geographic biases in research highlight key areas for future sponge ecology studies.