Marine Biogeography Research Articles

Faunistics and zoogeographical overview of the Mediterranean and Black Sea marine Gastrotricha

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Faunistics and zoogeographical overview of the Mediterranean and Black Sea marine Gastrotricha M. ANTONIO TODARO*, LUCIA MATINATO**, MARIA BALSAMO***, PAOLO TONGIORGI** *Dz'pzzrrz'mem‘o di Bio/ogirz /lnimzzle, Uni:/ersitiz (ii Marian/1 E Reggio Emilirz, Vizz Czzmpi 213/cl’, [~41 I 00 Madcna (Juli)/),' e—mzzz'/: todzzro. zzntonio @zmimo. it **Dzj7zzrti7neI2to di Scierzze Agnzrie, Urziz/erritiz di Marlena e Reggia Emilia, Via Kennmfiz 17, 142100 Reggie Emz'lz'zz (Italy) ***[5tz'tLiz‘0 di Scimze Maifblogic/ye, Universitfz di Ureirzo, Via Oddi 21, I-61029 M~bz'no (Italy) Key words: Gastrotrichs, Biogeography, Meiofauna, Taxonomy, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea. SUMMARY The paper provides an updated overview of the knowledge regarding the marine gastrotrich fauna of 10 Mediterranean and 2 Black Sea countries. Taxonomic account and species distribution come from published records, including electronically disseminated information, as well as original data from 18 localities (16 western and 2 levantine), investigated by the authors between 1990 and 2002. Since the description of the first marine Mediterranean gastrotrich, Hera)/zlzzijir izgzzm Claparede, 1867, discovered in the Gulf of Naples (Italy), 273 additional species, from 417 locations have been recorded in the basin so far. Of the gastrotrichs found, 143 species, in 24 genera and 6 families, belong to the order Macrodasyida and 131 species, in 11 genera and 3 families, belong to the order Chaetonotida; these statistics include several species as yet not described. The number of species per location is variable, ranging from 1—37, with a global mean of 8.041” 6.69 spp/location. Egypt and Israel show mean values well above the average, with 12.8 and 10.8 spp/loc. respectively, whereas mean values for Algeria, Tunisia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and France are below average (1— 5.43 spp / location); data For Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Italy are within the average value. Arttzzr/Jorlzzrys (Ictz/mtm‘, recorded in 28% of the investigated locations is the most Frequently found macrodasyidan; Htz/it/Jzzetmzatur am/zfi'r, also recorded in 28% of the investigated localities, is the most common chaetonotidan. Data analysis indicated substantial differences among countries, regarding sampling effort and, consequently, faunistic knowledge. In comparison with the generally good information concerning the Italian fauna (177 species from 246 localities), gastrotrichs from other Mediterranean nations are much less known; along with Italy, only few other Nations have been investigated to a sufficient extent (i.e., Greece: 44 sampled localities, 77 recorded species; France: 37 L, 70 spp; Egypt: 28 L, 81 spp; Israel: 15 L, 55 spp; Cyprus: 9 L, 41 spp), whereas investigation carried out in several other countries can be considered, to a variable degree, incomplete (i.e., Algeria: 16 investigated localities and 11 species found; Romania: 7 L, 30 spp; Tunisia: 5 L, 2 spp; Bulgaria: 3 L, 11 spp; Croatia: 1 L, 12 spp, Spain: 1 L, 3 sp, Malta; 2L, 2 spp.), or nil (e.g., Morocco, Libya, Turkey, Albania). All marine gastrotrich Families and most marine genera have representatives in the Mediterranean Fauna, notable absences regard the genera Demzoz/zzryr, Dirzadmjyr, Plzzizat/rziyx, Prostabucttzntizl and perhaps Prezzzfart/1‘brz71e[/zz; on the other hand representatives of two genera, En2_ytI'mji: and Dezzdmpar/01:1, are unknown elsewhere in the world except the western Mediterranean. At species level, about 140 taxa have so Far been found only in the Mediterranean area, whereas the

Mediterranean Pycnogonida: faunistic, taxonomical and zoogeographical considerations

Biogeographia vol. XXIV ~ 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Mediterranean Pycnogonida: faunistic, taxonomical and zoogeographical considerations CARLA CHIMENZ GUSSO*, LORETTA LATTANZI** *Dz;z7zm‘z'mem‘0 di Biologizz /lrzimtzle e a’e[[’U0m0, Uniz/er5z'tz‘z di Roma “Lrz Szzpimzzz”, Vle Uiziversitiz 32, I—O0]85, Roma (Italy) **I. CR./l./W, Vitl di CLl.ftZ[0lfi 300, 1'-00155, Roma (Italy). Keywords: Pycnogonida, Mediterranean Sea, taxonomy, biogeography. SUMMARY An up-to—date list of the Pycnogonida of the Mediterranean Sea is given. The total number of taxa registered is 56, some of which require a revision. Four species are to be considered as allochthonous: Ammat/Jen /Jilgem/mfi, Anopladarty/us ca/zfizrvzirzir, A. dzgiranzr, Pz'g7'og7‘omiz7z.r timrzzmzr. As regards zoogeographic composition, the highest percentage (35%) is displayed by Mediterranean Atlantic elements, the lowest by Indo—Pacific species (found only in the Eastern Basin); cosmopolitan and endemic elements have the same percentage (24% each); the proportion of endemic species is comparable to that of sessile or relatively non mobile organisms, such as Hydroida, Bryozoa and Echinodermata. INTRODUCTION According to Chimenz Gusso (2000), the Pycnogonida fauna of the Mediterranean Sea (including the Black Sea) comprises 54 species, about 5% of the World total (1100 species according to Muller, 1993) and 37% of the European total (146, according to the European Register of Marine Species). For the Italian coasts (including Nizza and Istria) Chimenz Gusso (2000) cited 44 species, almost 79% of the Mediterranean Sea total. The object of the pre- sent article is to provide un update on available knowledge for the whole Mediterranean basin, as a starting—point for a zoogeographic characterization. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sites, for which data have been collected on Pycnogonida fauna, are shown in Tab. 1. The symbols of the areas studied and the respective authors are as follows:

Sea level change in Italy during last 300 ka. A review

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Sea level change in Italy during last 300 ka. A review FABRIZIO AN TONIOLI ENE/I, via Anguillarese 301, I—00060 Szmtzz Maria dz‘ Gzzlerizz, Roma (Italy) e—mzzil: fizbrizio. zziztonioli @m::zccz';z. men. it Key words: sea level, isostatic rebound, radiocarbon ages. SUMMARY This paper is a review about t_he sea level change in Italy during last 300 ka and the markers used to constrain the curves. In particular is underlined as it is important to distinguish between Global, Local and Predicted sea level curves. INTRODUCTION Sea level change can be reconstructed from dated fossil coral reef terraces, and these data are complemented by a compilation of global sea—level estimates based on deep—sea oxygen isotope ratios at millennial—scale resolution or higher. Because of the lack of coral reefs in the Mediterranean seas, results on late Quaternary sea—level changes have been difficult to obtain in comparison with typical sites such as Barbados, the Huon Peninsula, Tahiti and others. Otherwise, the very low tidal range of Italian seas offers a good opportunity to produce precise palaeo— sea level curves. Sea level change along the Italian coast is the sum of eustatic, glacio—hydro— isostatic, and tectonic factors. The first is time—dependent while the latter two also vary with location. This wants to say that at the same time slices, the relative sea level (the sum of 3 different movements) should be different in different coastlines. For any palaeo reconstruction of ancient coastline it is necessary to take in account all components. It is important to distinguish between Global sea level curve (s.l.c.), Local s.l.c. or Predicted s.l.c., constrained using geophysical models.

Sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea: distribution and conservation aspects

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Sea turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution and conservation aspects PAOLO CASALE*, ROBERTO ARGANO** *V/q:1 Antonio Czzlrlemrzz 29, [-001.25 Roma (Italy) **Dzprzrtz'772c7zto [Ii Biologin Azziimzle L’ n'e[[’Uomo, U2zz'z2errz't2z di Romzz “La Szzpz'enzrz”, 1-001 8 5 Roma (lrzzly) Key words: Crzremz cnremt, C/1c‘/mu}: my:/11:, Devmor/1c{y5 mrimezz. Mediterranean Sea. SUMMARY Three of the seven extant marine turtle species are Found in the Mediterranean Sea: C/m*m1 rnrcrra. C/2:’/on/47 my:/zz: and Dermot/yoiyx car/}zcc'zz. The human activities in the basin put several threats to these animals, especially in the last decades. At lantl, nesting activity and hactchling production are compromised by several factors, from disturbance to physical destruction of the sites, At sea, the incidental captures by fishing gears induce high mortality both due to the capture itself and to the commercial use oF the specimens. Although substantial gaps still exist on the population structure and habitat use in the Mediterranean. the ever—increasing studies using diFlerent approaches are improving the general picture substantially. Here, a synthesis is given of the present knowledge on the distribution and conservation of these species in the Mediterranean. INTRODUCTION Of the seven extant sea turtle species and of the five with a circumglobal distribution, three species are regularly found in the Mediterranean: Czzrettzz czzretm, C/751072221 mydzzs e Dermot/yelys corizzcea. As it is for many other taxa, the history and present characteristics of the basin make it a ‘natural laboratory’ which is very interesting and highly promising for increasing our knowledge on the biological dynamics of these species. Moreover, it holds some of the most ancient evidences of interaction between sea turtles and humans (Frazier, 2003), and the important human presence since the far past is suggestive of a ‘historical’ impact‘-on the populations, which in the last decades has increased at levels unlikely to be sustainable (Gerosa and Casale, 1999). This is a general problem, however, and is reason of global concern for the future of these animals. In particular, C. crzremz and C. mydzzs are listed as ‘Endangered’ and D. corizzcezz as ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red Lis of Threatened Species. .

Bryozoan diversity in the Mediterranean Sea

Biogeographia vol. XXIV — 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Bryozoan diversity in the Mediterranean Sea ANTONIETTA ROSSO Dz]Jm*tz'772mt0 517' Scimze Geologic/7e (Sezimze Oceanologia e Pzzleoecolagizz), Unit/e7‘5z7n‘z di Czztzmizz (Italy) e—mzzz'[: 727550 @mzict. it Key words: biodiversity. Bryozoa, Recent, Mediterranean. SUMMARY The present study constitutes an updated evaluation of the Mediterranean biyozoan biodiversity aFter the paper by Harmelin (1992) based on Zabala and Maluquer (1988) list, and uses a new data base established using the most recent records of species from the area. This allowed the number of bryozoan taxa known from this sea to be incremented up to 476 species and 27 subspecies grouped into 195 genera and 89 Families, thus outnumbering by 95 species the biodiversity evaluated by Harmelin (1992). The added species include: 1) newly described species from the Gibraltar Straits and the near Alboran Sea, whose distribution appears presently restricted to this area and species previously known from boreal, mostly deep-waters, of the eastern Atlantic and newly reported From the same area; 2) a few new species previously synonimised with Atlantic taxa from which they have been separated recently; 3) some species only recorded from the Adriatic Sea; 4) several species from the eastern basin; 5) a poor stock oF“Non—Indigenous Species” (NIS). Comparisons have been made among Mediterranean bryozoan biodiversity and data from some well known areas and the world as a whole, from which it appears as Mediterranean bryozoans are not extremely diversified, also in relation to the peculiar geological, hydrological and climatic history of this basin. Taxonomic structure at order, family, genus and species rank together with the finding and distribution of some species and their meaning have been discussed. INTRODUCTION Bryozoans are colonial organisms, one of the most diversified benthic phyla, following arthropods, molluscs, Cnidarians and annelids, somewhat paralleling echinoderms and sponges (cf. Bianchi and Morri, 2000). Recent bryozoans are differentiated into three classes with Phylactolaemata exclusively thriving in fresh Waters and Stenolaemata and Gymolaemata almost exclusively represented by fully marine species. These latter show a Wide range of morphological and ecological adaptations enabling them to colonize a great variety of habitats, from the shallow intertidal to abyssal environments, where suitable substrata are available and food supply is enough, only being limited in very starved biotopes and in high sedimentation rate conditions (McKinney and Jackson, 1989). Notwithstanding, their distribution covers all latitudes and they peak in non— tropical continental shelf bottoms largely contributing to benthic diversity (Taylor, 2000).

Who cares about the Hydrozoa of the Mediterranean Sea? An essay on the zoogeography of inconspicuous groups

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2008 (Printed October, 3 1 st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Who cares about the Hydrozoa of the Mediterranean Sea? An essay on the zoogeography of inconspicuous groups FERDINANDO BOERO*, JEAN BOUILLON**, CINZIA GRAVlLl*, STEFAN O PlRAlNO* *Dz'ptzrz‘i77zem‘0 di StiE7'2Z€ e Teena/ogie Biologic/7e eA77zbz’e72z‘t1/2', Strzzione 511' Bio/ogizz Mzzrimz e Museo dell 14172/7z'e72te, Univerxitfz di Lecce, ./373100 Lecce (Italy). **.l'.zzbonztoz're de Biologie Ma7qiI2e, C/Vziversite /ibre de Bruxelles, 50 A2/. FD. Roosevelt, 1 05 0 Bruxelles (Belgium) Key words: I-Iydrozoa, Mediterranean Sea, zoogeography. SUMMARY The Messininan crisis, 5 MY before pi'esent, marked the recent history of the Mediterranean Sea. The opening of Gibraltar, and the inflow of Atlantic water, brought in the ancestors of the species that inhabit the Mediterranean today. The opening of the Suez Canal allowed the entrance of Indo-Pacific species. Ships and aquaculture transported species from all over the world. At present, the Mediterranean Sea is a melting pot ofa blend of biota that probably has no equivalent in any other part of the world. The tropicalisation of the Mediterranean and Lessepsian migration are conductive to the establishment of tropical species into the basin, with some outstanding examples like that of Cm;/eipzz species, and of the scyphomedusa R/Japilenm mnmzdirzz. At present, the arrival of new conspicuous species is well monitored and researchers are ready to publish new records of recognisable species. These usually belong to popular groups such as fish, molluscs and decapod crustaceans, or to groups that cannot pass unnoticed due to a marked attitude to form outbreaks, like dinoflagellates or scyphozoan jellyfish and ctenophores. \Vhat about the other groups? The bulk of biodiversity, in terms of species numbers, is made of poorly known and inconspicuous species that, usually, can be noticed only by specialised taxonomists. Taxonomy is disappearing from most scientific communities, so that our appreciation of biodiversity is being biased towards conspicuous groups, The Hydrozoa are taken as an example of inconspicuous group whose knowledge has greatly progressed in the last decades due to the presence of some specialists in the Mediterranean area. The number ofspecies recorded from the Mediterranean almost doubled in thirty years and the number of new records is still increasing‘ The ecological rble of these animals, especially those represented also by a medusa stage, can be great due to their general ability to Feed upon fish eggs and larvae and/or on the plankton that fish larvae feed upon, so acting as potential predators and/ or competitors of commercial species. They might even be keystone predators, depressing potentially monopolising fish species, so leaving space for less competitive species. Neglecting this component of biodiversity might lead to ecological misunderstandings that, in their turn, might lead to misleading interpretations of the causes afTecting the yield offisheries. The main question arising from the example of the Hydtozoa is: are conspicuous groups sufficient to appreciate marine biodiversity and understand its functioning? The answer deriving from the example of the Hydrozoa is: No!

Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity. Part I

Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity. Part I

Mediterranean calanoid copepods biogeography: new species identification and first records of hyperbenthic forms

Biogeographia vol. XXI V - 2003 (Printed October, 3131‘ 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Mediterranean calanoid copepods biogeography: new species identification and first records of hyperbenthic forms GIACOMO ZAGAMI, 1\/LARINA CAMPOLMI, ANTONIA GRANATA Dz'pzzrtz'mmt0 zli Biologizz Azzimzzle ed Ecologizl Mzzrmzz, Unit/ersitfz di Messinzz, Szzlitzz Sperone, 3], 1—98]66, Messimz (Italy) Keywords: Calanoid copepods, plankton, hyperbenthos, biogeography, Mediterranean Sea, biodiversity. SUMMARY The spatio-temporal distribution patterns of the Mediterranean planktonic and hyperbenthic calanoid copepods were analysed. The atlantic origin 0F the major part ofplanlttonic calanoid copepods was defined, distinguishing between Mediterranean own species and the Alboran Sea, and Levantine Bacin populations migrated, rispectively, From Atlantic and Indo—Pacific Oceans. In the Mediterranean the presence, as other oceans of the world. of a hyperbenthic specific calanoid copepods community was showed. In this “ecological group” were identified populations ofatlantic and indo- pacific origin. of recent and ancient migration in the Mediterranean. lNTRODUCTION Copepoda, a subclass of the phylum Crustacea, consists of ten orders: Platycopioida, Calanoida, Misophrioida, Mormonilloida, Cyclopoida, Geliyelloida, Harpacticoida, Poecilostomatoida, Siphonostomatoida and Monstrilloida. Copepods are aquatic, mainly marine, organisms that have spread by adaptive radiation into all habitats, including the ocean depths, brackish coastal lagoons, submarine caves, and fresh waters of high mountain rivers and lakes. Humes (1994) estimated that by the end of 1993 about 11,500 species of Copepoda had been identified. Excluding Diaptomidae, around 1800 species of Copepoda Calanoida have been censused in the marine ecosystem (Huys and Boxshall, 1991; Humes, 1994). In their inventory of Mediterranean planktonic Copepoda, Razouls and Durand (1991) listed 301 species of Calanoida, to which must be added 11 new species identified between 1991 and 2000 for a total of312 species. There are records of 173 species of Copepoda Calanoida in Italian seas (Argano et al., 1995), i.e. 55.8% of the total identified in the Mediterranean. Since there

Seagrasses biodiversity (Posidonia oceanica and Zostera marina) in the Mediterranean Sea

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Seagrasses biodiversity (Posidonia 0C€eZ7’lZt'6l and Zosrem marina) in the Mediterranean Sea CARLA MICHELi*, PATRIZIA PAGANIN*, MASSIMO MAFFUCCP‘, TANIA DOLCE**, GIUSEPPE NASCETTI***, ANDREA PEIRANO+, CARLO NIKE BIANCHF’, ANDREA RlSMONDO°°, DANIELE CURIEL°° *ENE/l Cemro Rivers/ye Czzszzccizz, C1’. 2400, I—00I00 Roma (Italy) “Lab. 512' Ecologizz Sperimmrzzle edAtquz'c0[tzmz, Universrriz (Xi Tor Vergzmz, Via Cmcovizz, I—00I33 Roma (Ital)/) ***Dz'pzzrtimmto di Scienze Anzbienrzzlz} Um'z2errz'tr‘z dellzz Tuscizz, Viz! S. Camilla De Le/lis, 1-0] 100 Vitereo (Italy) °ENE/I Cmrro Ricerc/JeA712bI'mre Marina, CP. 2241, 1-191 00 La Spezizz (Ital/y) °°Sc[c Scar! V222 de[[’E/etwicitiz 5D, 1-301 75 Venezia—Marg/Jera (Italy) Key words: Parr’:/miia occzzn/czz (L.) Delile, Zosrem mzzri/1/1 L., genetic variability, Mediterranean, Venice lagoon. SUMMARY Aim of this paper is to asses the genetic variability oFMediterranean seagrasses such as Panda;/in urczznim and Zastem mzzrinrz by Random Amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique, and to correlate it to primary productivity. The study was carried out for I 1 populations of P. ommiczz collected in different Mediterranean localities, along the coast, around the isles, and transplanted in the protected park of Port—Ctos and for two populations of Z. zmzrirm sampled in Malamocco central basin oFVenice lagoon (San Pietro in Volta and Alberoni). Results of this research enable us to assess genetic variability for distinct groups of P. accrznim populations in the Mediterranean in relation to primary production. Instead, Z. mtlriml revealed an high genetic variability within and among the two populations located to a distance ofonly 5 km in Malamocco basin confirming the role of this plant as cosmopolitan species for its phenotypic plasticity. INTRODUCTION Seagrasses contribute significantly to the productivity of coastal areas in both temperate and tropical Waters (Phillips et al., 1983). The endemic Mediterranean species Posidonia ocermiaz Delile, Cymodocezz nodaszz, Zoszfem mrzrimz and Z. noltii, play the major role in the primary production of the beds in the species succession. In particular Z. marina and Z. noltii have long been reported in the lagoon of Venice and in various Mediterranean localities. In fact Z. rmzrinrz comprises a significant structural element of both in the lagoon and coastal environments throughout the temperate northern hemisphere. It

Species composition and biogeographical relationships of the Proseriata (Platyhelminthes) of the Mediterranean Sea

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31512003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Species composition and biogeographical relationships of the Proseriata (Platyhelminthes) of the Mediterranean Sea MARCO CURINLGALLETTI, MARCO CASU Dzjuzrtinzento di Zoologizz eAntr0_po[0gizz Biologiaz, Universiriz di Szzmzri, via M uroni 2 5, I-07100 Szzsszzri (Italy) Keywords: biodiversity, biogeography, Mediterranean, Proseriata, meiofauna. SUMMARY A revised and updated chccltlist of the Proseriata of the Mediterranean is presented. At least 140 species are recorded from the basin. only 76 of which have been formally described. Lack of research in entire sectors of the Mediterranean, and the recent discovery ofa diverse and still undescribecl sublittoral prosetiate fauna, suggest that the figure given may be a minor fraction of the actual number of the species of the group. Most of the species appear endemic of the Mediterranean, with only a few species known so Far from neighbouring Atlantic coasts. Analysis of the data set reveals a significant geographical structurin , with a ma'or iaunistic disiunction between Alboran Sea and the rest ofthe basin, and amon western and eastern . g J . J - - - g . . Mediterranean. The existence of numerous species exclusive of the Levant Sea may hint at the presence ofcryptogenic species, iven the exceedin 1 limited kriowledve of tro iC(Ll faunas of Proseriatu and of Wnicrotiirbellarians’ in eneral. 5 9 Y en P g INTRODUCTION The order Proseriata (Platyhelminthes: Neoophora) was traditionally considered as the sister group, prevalently marine and miniaturized for life in the interstices of the sediment, of the comparatively large Tricladida (the well- known planarians) (Sopott—Ehlers, 1985). Recent upsurge of molecular data failed to confirm this assumption, and it is now clear that the two taxa are unrelated (Carranza et al., 1998; Littlewood et al., 1999; Litvaitis and Rohde, 1999). Recently, the monophyletism of the Proseriata has been confirmed, as well as their basal position within the Neoophora (Littlewood and Olson, 2001). However, sister group relationships of the taxon are still unclear. The Proseriata are comprised of two suborders, the Unguiphora, including the single family Nertiatoplanidae, and the Lithophora, including the Monoce—

Distribution of benthic polychaetous annelids in the Adriatic Sea with zoogeographic consideration

Biogeographia vol. XXIV — 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Distribution of benthic polychaetous annelids in the Adriatic Sea with zoogeographic considerations GRAZIA CAN TONE Dipzzrzinzmto di Biologizz Animzzle qll/[zzrce/[0 La Greta ” Via Arzdrone 8], 1395124 Camnizz (Italy) e—mzzz'[: czziztogm @um'ct. it Key words: biodiversity, biogeography, Polycltaeta, Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea. SUMMARY Purpose of this paper is to estimate the biodiversity oFtl1e benthic Polychaeta along the Adriatic Sea and to discuss their biogeographical distribution. It is shown that from this sea 580 species, belonging to 57 families, have been so far reported: 401 from the northern Adriatic, 373 from the Central Adriatic, 332 from the southern Adriatic. The dominant biogeogrziphical group is constituted by the Atlantic-Mediterranean species, but well represented are also the cosmopolitan and the endemic ones. T he same pattern is present in all the latitudinal sectors of Adriatic, with little differences in the frequencies of the various categories. INTRODUCTION Differently from the biogeography of terrestrial animals that is known long since, the studies on the distribution of marine fauna and the definition of zoogeographical areas for the marine species are still insufficient. In fact for long it has been a widespread belief, because of the continuity of the water, that marine organisms were cosmopolitan. Many famous polychaetologists, (Fauvel, 1923, 1927; Rullier, 1958; Day, 1967) had the same conviction. I-Iolthe, 1978, in his study on the zoogeography of the Terebellomorpha of the Northern European waters, showed that despite of the tendency towards widespread geographical distribution and eurybathy within this class of Annelids, Polychaeta can contribute to the understanding of marine zoogeography. Recently some scientists have been engaged in clarifying the problem of the wide distribution of this taxon that, according to Fauchald, 1984, might depend on its ancient origin, estimated going back to the Precambrian. The “cosmopolitan” species in many cases are complexes of species with different geographic distribution (\Williams, 1984; Hartley, 1984; Dauvin and Thiebaut, 1994) or “sibling” species

The Eastern Mediterranean Sea: tropical invasions and niche opportunities in a “Godot Basin”

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity The Eastern Mediterranean Sea: tropical invasions and niche opportunities in a “Godot Basin” l\/[ARCO OLlVERlO*, MARCO TAVlANl** *Dz'pzzrtimem‘0 di Bin/ogzkz Am'mri/e‘ e a'e[[’U0m0, Urziveisitiz “La Szzpienzzz ”. Vizzle zz’e[[’U1ziz1er5z’z‘z‘z 32, [—00185 Roma (Italy) c—7mzi[: mrzrm. 0/z'z/erz'0@zmz'r0nuz1. it **]S]l4/lR—]l/Izzrine Geology Diz/ision, CNR, z/izz Goeezfi 10], 140129 Bologmz (Italy) e—mzzz'l: mmro. tzzvizzizi @b0. irzmzr. cm. 7'2‘ Key words: Lessepsian, alien species, Levant basin biogeography, niche. SUMMARY The progressive colonization of large sectors of the Mediterranean Sea by tropical—subtropical alien species (Lesscpsian “migrantsq and introduced aliens) highlights a rematltable biogeographic paradox. The Eastern Mediterranean Sea, and particularly the Levant basin, shows a capacity of hosting tropical-subtropical benthos elements, a capacity not shared by the rest ofthc basin. The post—glacial Levant basin is in fact defined a qGodot basinq due to its present oceanographic prerogatives. It has been a potential receptacle of tropical organisms, yet could exploit such potentiality only after casual man induced events. Traditional and more recent niche concepts can be used to better understand the phenomenon of such biological invasions. Alien species successfully colonize the Godot basin, only when several conditions are favourable. Lower diversity, possibly related to resources not efficiently exploited by autochtonous. oFFers “niche opportunitiesq to the newcomers. In the particular case of the Lessepsian invasion, the success probably depends on finding dte appropriate time for colonization. This can account for the massive initial invasion and the steady increase of records witnessing a still ongoing process. INTRODUCTION From the biogeographefs perspective the Levant Basin (LB) is a unique laboratory to study one of the most impressive on—going marine colonization observable by man: the Lessepsian invasion (“migtations”, sensu Pot, 1971; see also e.g. Pot, 1975, 1978, 1990; Pot and Dimentman, 1989; Zibrowius, 1991, 1994, Ribera, 1993; Galil, 1993). In fact, wide sectors of the eastern Mediterranean Sea are being invaded by tropical—subtropical species both throughout the Suez

Shaping the biogeography of the Mediterranean basin: one geologist’s perspective

Biogeographia vol. XXIV — 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Shaping the biogeography of the Mediterranean basin: one geologist’s perspective MARCO TAVIANI Istizuto dz‘ Scienze Mzzrine—Sezz'one Geologizz Marina, CNR, zzizz Gobetri 10], ./340129 Bologna (Italy) e—mzzi[: mam). tzzz/z2zm'@b0. ismrzr. mr. it Keywords: Mediterranean basin, paleobiogeography, geology. SUMMARY The present Mediterranean biogeography is the transitory result ofclimatic and geological events suffered by this semi-enclosed basin throughout its history. The potential consequences over stenoecious marine ecosystems of the late Miocene “Messinian Salinity Crisis” are discussed. In particular, postulated frankly-marine sanctuaries at the time of evaporite deposition and periodical intra-Messinian inunclations are not considered sufiicient in maintaining stenoecious ecosystems throughout the entire Messinian time. The biogeography of the Mediterranean deep—sea benthos is strongly affected by the geodynamic evolution of dte basin and in particular by the post—Messinian establishment of a shallow sill (Gibraltar); since the Pleistocene at least, the sill acts as a filter biasing the flux of potential Atlantic deep—sea invaders. Finally, the Mediterranean basin boasts a remarkable history ofdeep—sea cold seep chemosynthetic ecosystems from the Oligocene up to Present. These peculiar biota, however, show a distinct evolution through time. The pte—Messinian ones are typically oceanic in affinity hosting, among other, large chemosynthetic bivalves (e.g. Calyptogena, Modiolus etc.) and tubeworms, while the post—Messinian and Modern ones are strongly impoverished. This trend is mainly controlled by the geological history of the Mediterranean region. INTRODUCTION In a recent paper I offered my personal perception of the history of the stenoecious marine benthic biota of the Mediterranean basin, Neogene to Present (Taviani, 2002). To my View, it was the interplay between global climatic signals and concomitant geodynarnic evolution of the Tethys—Mesogean—Mediterranean basins (e.g., Biju-Duval et al., 1977; Krijgsman, 2002) that moulded the biogeography of the modern Mediterranean Sea. Arguments and data supporting this Vision are reported in Taviani (2002) and are not repeated here. However, one of the major issues for Mediterranean biogeographers was and is the significance of the late Miocene “Messinian Salinity Crisis” (MSC

Aliens - Algal introductions to European shores

Biogeographia vol. XX/V - 2003 (Printed October, 31312003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Aliens — Algal introductions to European shores IVAN GUALA, MARIA MONIA FLAGELLA, NIKOS ANDREAKIS, GABRIELE PROCACCINI, W/IEBE H.C.F. KOOISTRA, MARIA CRISTINA BUIA Stzzzione Zoologiczz ‘A. Do/om’ Vi!/zz Comumzle, ./38012] Nrzpo/i (Italy) e—7mzz'[.' zncbzzizz @5271. it Key words: invasive seaweeds, ballast water, ecophysiology, phylogeography, population genetics. SUMMARY In recent years European coastal regions have experienced a sudden increase in the number of introduced marine species, both animals and plants. Many of these species spread seemingly unchecked and show a rapid increase of their biomass, which affects whole regional ecosystems. Such species are considered invasive. Increased human activities in the realm of shipping, aquaculture, aquariology, and even scientific research may be culprits. The European Community project ALI ENS currently evaluates such invasive macroalgae and their effects on coastal resources. Findings may assist coastal government agencies in establishing rules and management strategies to avoid future invasions and to mitigate the ill-effects ofallochronous species already established. A consortium ofscientists from Spain, United Kingdom, Portugal, France and Italy are currently collaborating through the study ofvarious aspects of these invaders. Research fields include monitoring, experimental ecology, ecophysiology, phylogeography, population genetics and environmental economics. The Laboratories oFBenthic Ecology and Marine Botany of the Stazione Zoologica “A. Dohrnq (SZN) at Naples are partners within this international collaboration. Here we describe the general aims of the ALIENS programme and the SZN activities within this project. INVASIVE MARINE SEAWEEDS Allochtonous species are organisms that are new in a certain area, Where they appear suddenly in consequence of range expansions or introductions. Range expansion consists of dispersal by natural mechanisms into a region where the species did not formerly exist; introduction consists of transportation by human activity (often across natural barriers) (Carlton, 1987). These species may blend in inconspicuously for long time. Unfortunately some can disperse rapidly and severely alter or disrupt local ecosystems, replacing keystone species or affecting the biodiversity otherwise. Such allochtonous species are called

Global sea warming and “tropicalization” of the Mediterranean Sea: biogeographic and ecological aspects

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Global sea warming and “tropicalization” of the Mediterranean Sea: biogeographic and ecological aspects. CARLO NIKE BIANCI-11*, CARLA MORRI** Dip T€R/'5, Dipzzrri772eI2to Territorio 2 Rzsorre, U72z'I/m'z'ty 0fGmozz, Com) Ezzmp/z 26, ]—16132 Genoa (Italy) €—m(Zi/.‘ * 725121726/71' @c/z]gm*1'5. zmzge. it, H’ 77707“/*1'c@dz;Dreri5. zmige. it Key words: Marine biogeograpliy, climate change, species distribution, range extension, corals, l\/i€Clil'Cl'l‘LlnCan Sea. SUMMARY The so-called “tropicalizationq ofthe Mediterranean is the result of Four different phenomena: Atlantic influence, lessepsian migration, species introduction by humans, and sea—water warming; all these Factors concur favouring the occurrence and spreading of thermophilic species through the Mediterranean Sea. INTRODUCTION There is now substantial evidences that the climate of our planet is in a phase of change and that, for instance, the average surface temperature of the sea is increasing (Bianchi, 1997). While the long-term effects of this warming are still debated, the responses of the marine biota are already visible: the increased temperature caused, for instance, the recent bleaching and consequent massive mortality of corals in all the oceans (\X/ilkinson, 2000). This and other similar events in the tropics attracted the attention not only of scientists, but also of public opinion, mass media, and managers, because of the strong impact on the tourism, fishery and other economic activities linked to coral reefs. The Mediterranean Sea, the widest marine warm—temperate region in the world, has a role of climatic and biogeographic hinge between tropical and temperate seas (Bianchi and Morri, 1999). Which consequences will the warming trend have on the Mediterranean Sea? It is often said that the Mediterranean is going towards a generalised phenomenon of “tropicalization”, i.e., the increased occurrence of warm—water biota. The tropicalization of the Mediterranean

Macroalgal epiphytes of Posidonia oceanica leaves: biogeographic aspects

Biogeographia vol. XXI V - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Macroalgal epiphytes of Posidonia oceazniccz leaves: biogeographic aspects ANNUNZIATA ESPOSITO, AURORA ULISSE, IVAN GUALA, MARIA CRISTINA BUIA Srzzzione Zoologiaz 1/I. Do/am’ Bent/air Ecology Lzz/aomrmfy — P.ta San Pietro 80077131/9721, Nzzpoli (Italy) E-mzzil: mc[7uz'zz@szn.z't Key words: epiphytes, spatial patterns, biogeographic groups, Pasizlorrizz ocemzim. SUMMARY Epiphyte summer assemblages of Poridazzizz ocezzuim leaves were analyzed at regional (Sardinia) and basin (\X/estern Mediterranean Sea) scales. Along Sardinian coasts, species composition has been evaluated at different sides (East and West), depths (5 and 25 m), and geographical sectors (North, Central—North, Central-South and South), in a total of32 sites. Deriving data from literature, five localities at the same depth were compared, at basin scale. The community structure, at both taxonomic and biogeographic level. was analyzed to reveal spatial patterns in epiphyte assemblages. At smaller scale, the number of species varied significantly with side, sector and site, while the assemblage composition did not; the biogeographic composition did not show significant differences because of the relevant influence of Subcosmopolitan and Cosmopolitan taxa. At basin scale taxonomic and biogeographic composition of epiphyte communities did not change according to a latitudinal gradient at least dealing with Western central Mediterranean Sea. INTRODUCTION Epiphytic algae are a diverse flora growing on host seagrasses. Their importance to Posidonzkz ocezzrziczz ecosystem functioning in terms of food supply for macroherbivore—detritivore species is well recognized (Garnbi et al., 1992; Buia et al., 2000; Zupo, 2001). In some cases the grazing impact was found to have a stabilizing effect on the system, as the epiphytic community may negatively influence the leaf production of seagrasses (Orth and Van Montfrans, 1984). However, this latter process was never confirmed in P. ocezmiczz and it could be considered as an indicator ofenvironmental change in the functioning of the system. A predictable succession and zonation ofepiphytic taxon and assemblages are identifiable on seagrass leaves, according to the blade age—gradient and life—tirne,

Biogeography of benthic marine Amphipods in Mediterranean Sea

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Biogeography of benthic marine Amphipods in Mediterranean Sea DENISE BELLAN—SANTINI*, SAN DRO RUFFO** *Cem7qe :tqOce’tz7z0[0gie ale Mzzisei/le, Station Mzzrim‘ zl’Ena’ozm2e, UMR 6540 D1114/1R, Rue Bzztterie dc‘: Liam, 13007 Mzz7'5ei[/e ( France} **Mztseo Cit/ico [Ii Storizz Nzztumle, Lmzgtzdzge Pomz Vz'ztorz'tz 9, 37129 Verona (Italy) Key words: benthic Amphipods, Mediterranean Sea, biogeography. SUMMARY The fauna of Mediterranean amphipods includes 466 species, near 6% of the known world wide amphipod fauna. They constitute four major categories of geographical distribution: species common to Mediterranean and Atlantic (55%), indopaciflc probably lessepsiztn species (19%). cosmopolitan species (4.6%), mediterranean endemic species (385%). In consideration with these data. it is evident that it is a great affinity between Mediterranean fauna and the Atlantic one and that the level ofendemicity is very high. 95% of the whole species are present in the western bassin, 70% in the eastern and 53% in the Adriatic. Inside the group of the species common with Atlantic and Metliterranean Sea, 1 1°/o are exclusively mauritanian, 18.5% mauritanian—lusitanian, 20.5% lusitanian, 32% lusita.nian-boreal, 36.4% of the species have a large continued atlantic distribution and 12.2% a discontinuous distribution between the boreal and lusitanian regions. These boreo—mediterranean species are essentially bathyal. The analysis of species common I'D Atlantic and Mediterranean suggests different center of origin in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The supposedly lessepsian species (9) are essentially present in the eastern basin. Considering the historical population of the Mediterranean we consider the 10 endemic genera and the 12 genera common to Indopacilic and Mediterranean and absent in the Atlantic to be particularly important. The general conclusions of the biogeographic data on the amphipod Fauna confirm the complexity of the histoiy of the origin, from premessinian to actual, of the Mediterranean fauna. INTRODUCTION The present list of Mediterranean benthic amphipods is composed by 466 species, 15 more than in 1998 (Bellan—Santini and Ruffo, 1998). The 15 new species for the Mediterranean are: Autonoe azttzlzzuniczz Ruffo, Cartes and Sorbe, 1999, Longigzzmmzzrzts10/zzmzsizze Messana and Ruffo, 2001, H)/zzle micbe/z’m' Krapp-Schickel and Bousfield, 2002, Eriopisel/¢z mfii Marti and Villora-Moreno, 1996, Gzzmmzzrelltz gzz7qcz'zzz' Marti and Villora-Moreno, 1995, Qutzdrimzzerzz zzrzkzdne Krapp, Marti and Ruffo, 1996, Quczdrimzzertz durum Krapp, Marti and Ruffo, 1996, Qzttztlrimzzertz reveltzm Krapp, Matti and Ruffo, 1996, Bat/aymedon [o7zgz'r05trz's]au1ne, Cartes and Sorbe, 1998, Stenot/aoepieroptzn Krapp—Schickel, 1996, Stenoz‘/Joe maittirzzgortz Krapp-Schickel, 1996, Urot/706 /aesperizze Conradi,

Mediterranean Sponge Fauna: a biological, historical and cultural heritage

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Mediterranean Sponge Fauna: a biological, historical and cultural heritage ROBERTO PRONZATO Dzp. Te.Ri5., Uiziversitiz 512' Genowz, Corso Europa 26, 1-1 6132, Genova (Italy) e—mzzi[: pronzzzzfo @dz}nferi5. umge. it Key words: biodiversity, Fauna protection, fishery, bioactive metabolites, sponge farming. SUMMARY At the end ofthe last century (year 2000) the Mediterranean sponge species were 605: over 40% are endemic, North Atlantic affinities are 20%, South Atlantic ones are 6%. Lessepsians migrating species are more than 30 (about 5%). Mediterranean Sea was deeply investigated in the past, in spite of that the discovery of new species, or genera, is not a rare event. The species richness of Mediterranean sponges is under pressure and losses are possible because of epidemic diseases and over—fishing of bath sponges. During the last decades the number of species that are actively harvested is dramatically increasing; this tendency in absence of any knowledge on sponge population distribution and density, could lead to local extinctions. INTRODUCTION In a world—wide synthesis on sponge biogeography (Soest, 1994) are examined over 11.000 papers, all data on systematic and faunistic of over 7.000 species, belonging to about 1.200 genera. From this study results that 552 species belong to the Western Mediterranean basin while 194 are present in the Eastern one. This record, compared with the sponge species richness of other 34 geographic areas, shows that only Caribbean-Centro—American (640 species), Sino—]apanese (589 species) and Indonesian (965 species) Seas are populated by a more diverse sponge fauna. In a successive study, performed with cladistic methods (Soest, 1998) the very low affinity of the Eastern Mediterranean sponge fauna with any other Sea of the World is evidenced. As for the Black Sea almost no data are available in the scientific literature, as a consequence no comparison can be done. The number of Mediterranean sponge species has continuously increased up today; first data are reported from the 13th edition of Systema Naturae (Linne, 1789), from that moment successive papers report a continuous and constant

Mediterranean Rotifers: a very inconspicuous taxon

Biogeographia vol. XXIV - 2003 (Printed October, 31 st 2003) Marine biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Mediterranean Rotifers: a Very inconspicuous taxon CLAUDM RICCI, DIEGO FONTANETO Universziiz Stamle zli Milzmo, Dz'}7zzrtz'mem‘0 dz‘ Biolagia, Via Celoria 26, I—20]33 Milano (Italy) Key words: Rotifera, Mediterranean Sea, marine rotifers. SUMMARY Occurrence of rotifer species in the sea is here reviewed, with emphasis on the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the few investigations dealt with rorifer species in Arctic and Antarctic Seas and along Northern European coasts, while Mediterranean area has received very little attention. Despite the few studies, one hundred five rotifers are reported as strictly marine, of these only 20 are signaled in the Mediterranean Sea. The species number is doubled if the freshwater rotifers that are occasionally found in the sea are added. Reasonably, the short list of rotifers from the Mediterranean is to be ascribed to the very few studies carried out and not to absence of rotifers in the area. ROTIFERS Phylum Rotifera comprises 1800 species of microscopic metazoans (80—2000um in length) divided into three major groups: Monogononta (~1450 species), Bdelloidea (~350) and Seisonidea (2) (Segers, 2002). They are characterized by short life cycle and direct development, most are filter-feeders, some are predators and few live as parasites. The three groups differ because of their reproduction. Seisonids are always amphimictic, with sex ratio 1:1, and monogononts punctuate thelytokous parthenogenesis (producing females) with arrhenotokous parthenogenesis (producing males) and subsequent sexual reproduction. Mating produces a diploid egg with delayed development, called resting egg; however, among most monogonont species only females are known so far. Bdelloids consist of parthenogenetic females only (Mark Welch and Meselson, 2000). Monogononts live in aquatic habitats like rivers, lakes, ponds, temporaiy and permanent pools, lagoons and seas, and very few can live in the water films around soil particles (Nogrady et al., 1993). Bdelloids are commonly part of the meiofauna of any habitat where Water is occasionally present, thus they can be found in rivers, lakes, ponds, but also among soil particles, and in mosses and lichens (Donner,

First fossil record of the genus Pyramidelloides (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Eulimidae) discovered in the Eocene deposits of Alabama

Pyramidelloides dolini n. sp., older strongly sculptured eulimid, is described from the Middle Eocene of southwestern Alabama (Gosport Sand). This new species probably had a planktotrophic larval stage similar to the recent Indo-West-Pacific species. Relationship with the species of the genus Palisadia is discussed. Geographic distributions of both the fossil and the recent species of the genera Pyramidelloides and Palisadia support finally a classic pattern in tropical marine biogeography: a discontinuous geographic range between Indo-Pacific and Caribbean provinces.