Abstract
Luigi MuscoThe study of hard-bottom Syllidae (Polychaeta) of the Rovinj area provides an updated measure of syllid species diversity in the northern Adriatic Sea. Faunal research in the coldest Mediterranean sectors may also help to address possible ecological and biogeographical consequences arising from climate change. Thirty-nine species were found, of which 13 are new for the northern Adriatic, increasing the species recorded from the area from 53 to 66. Some newly recorded species are dominant and typical of warmer areas. The lack of previous taxonomic updates is responsible for the high number of new findings. However, the northern Adriatic Sea is possibly undergoing long-term changes, with modifications of diversity due to the establishment of warm-water species. Syllid fauna of Sveti Ivan Island and its bioclimatic affinity are, in fact, unexpectedly more similar to the ones of some southern Mediterranean areas than to those traditionally reported for the northern Adriatic.
Highlights
The coldest Mediterranean sectors (i.e. Gulf of Lion, northern Adriatic and northern Aegean Seas) are strategic for monitoring faunal changes that may be caused by global warming (Boero et al, 2008).The northern Adriatic Sea, bordered on the south by the line connecting Pescara in Italy and Zadar in Croatia (McKinney, 2007) is geomorphologically, hydrographically and biogeographically a peculiar Mediterranean region
In addition to the inventory of the species found in the area, we provide drawings, microphotographs and detailed descriptions of the most interesting findings, as an updated faunal background for future research in the area
The mean number of species per sample was always higher and more variable at 5 m depth; the mean number of individuals was higher at 25 m depth at station B and C, while the minimum abundance was observed at the same depth at station A (Fig. 2A)
Summary
The coldest Mediterranean sectors (i.e. Gulf of Lion, northern Adriatic and northern Aegean Seas) are strategic for monitoring faunal changes that may be caused by global warming (Boero et al, 2008). The northern Adriatic Sea, bordered on the south by the line connecting Pescara in Italy and Zadar in Croatia (McKinney, 2007) is geomorphologically, hydrographically and biogeographically a peculiar Mediterranean region. Agardh) and fauna [e.g. the Adriatic sturgeon Acipenser naccarii Bonaparte, 1836, the hydroid Tricyclusa singularis Schulze 1876 and the sprat Sprattus sprattus (L., 1758)]. This supports its strong boreal affinity, as well as its ecological and biogeographical similarities with the North Atlantic (Bianchi et al, 2004; Boero and Bonsdorff, 2007)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
