Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025
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Determination of Total Lipid and Lipid Classes in Marine Samples
Published on: December 11, 2021
4.6K
Numbers of fish species, higher taxa, and phylogenetic similarity decrease with latitude and depth, and deep-sea
Han-Yang Lin1, Shane Wright1, Mark John Costello2
1Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Peerj
|October 2, 2023
Summary
Marine fish diversity, including species richness and phylogenetic diversity, peaks in tropical and subtropical regions. Conservation efforts should prioritize these areas, considering both latitude and depth, to protect evolutionary history.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biodiversity Science
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Species richness generally increases from poles to tropics, with a slight dip at the equator for marine fishes.
- Phylogenetic diversity offers insights into evolutionary history, complementing species richness for biodiversity assessment.
- Identifying areas with high species and phylogenetic diversity is crucial for effective marine conservation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare latitudinal and depth gradients of species richness and phylogenetic diversity in marine fishes.
- To investigate how different fish groups (bony, cartilaginous) and depth zones vary in diversity patterns.
- To identify priority areas for conservation based on combined species and phylogenetic diversity.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed modelled ranges of 5,619 marine fish species across latitudinal (75°S to 75°N) and depth gradients (0-6,000 m).
- Quantified species richness and three phylogenetic diversity measures: average phylogenetic diversity (AvPD), sum of higher taxonomic levels (STL), and STL/species (STL/spp).
- Differentiated analyses for all fish, bony fish, cartilaginous fish, and four depth zones.
Main Results:
- Species richness and higher taxonomic richness (STL) were highest in tropics/subtropics, showing a dip at the equator, and correlated across groups and depths.
- Warmer, shallower environments (low latitudes, shallow waters) exhibited closer phylogenetic relationships (lower AvPD, STL/spp) than colder, deeper environments.
- Distinct species assemblages were found across different depth zones, indicating unique evolutionary pathways.
Conclusions:
- Tropical and subtropical latitudes and shallow depths are hotspots for both species and phylogenetic diversity in marine fishes.
- Warmer, shallower marine environments may have experienced higher rates of evolution.
- Conservation strategies must encompass all latitudes and depth zones to ensure comprehensive protection of marine biodiversity and evolutionary heritage.
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