The gastropod Phorcus sauciatus (Koch, 1845) along the north-west Iberian Peninsula: filling historical gaps

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

M Rubal (Author) FCUP; Puri Veiga (Author) Other; Juan Moreira (Author) Other; Isabel Sousa Pinto (Author) FCUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: HELGOLAND MARINE RESEARCH

Vol. 68

Pages: 169-177

ISSN: 1438-387X

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 12 Citations

Scopus - 12 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Earth and related Environmental sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-6EG

DOI: 10.1007/s10152-014-0379-2

Abstract (EN): The intertidal gastropod Phorcus sauciatus is a subtropical grazer that reaches its northern boundary in the Iberian Peninsula. Distribution of P. sauciatus along the Iberian Peninsula shows, however, gaps in its distribution. The present study was aimed at detecting possible recent changes on the population structure and distribution of P. sauciatus along the north-west Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. To achieve this aim, we adopted a qualitative sampling design to explore the presence of P. sauciatus along a region within its historical gap of distribution (north Portuguese coast). In addition, a quantitative sampling design was adopted to test hypotheses about the abundance and size structure of P. sauciatus populations among regions with different historical records of its abundance and among shores with different exposure. Results showed that P. sauciatus was present along the north Portuguese coast. However, the abundance and size structure of the newly settled populations were significantly different to those of the historically recorded populations. Moreover, P. sauciatus was able to establish populations at sheltered shores. Considering these results, we propose models for the distribution of P. sauciatus along the Iberian Peninsula, based on effects of sea surface temperature, and to explain the size-frequency of their populations based on their density.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9