Biogeography of dinoflagellate cysts in northwest Atlantic estuaries

摘要: Few biogeographic studies of dinoflagellate cysts include the near-shore estuarine environment. We determine effect estuary type, biogeography, and water quality on spatial distribution organic-walled from Northeast USA (Maine to Delaware) Canada (Prince Edward Island). A total 69 surface sediment samples were collected 27 estuaries, sites with salinities >20. Dinoflagellate examined microscopically compared environmental parameters using multivariate ordination techniques. The cyst taxa reflects provinces established by other marine organisms, Cape Cod separating northern Acadian Province southern Virginian Province. Species such as Lingulodinium machaerophorum Polysphaeridinium zoharyi found almost exclusively in Province, while others Dubridinium spp. Islandinium? cezare more abundant Tidal range, sea temperature (SST), salinity (SSS) are statistically significant influencing assemblages. Samples same type cluster together canonical correspondence analysis when estuaries within province. large geographic extent this study, encompassing four main types (riverine, lagoon, coastal embayment, fjord), allowed us that has an important influence Due greater seasonal variations SSTs SSSs open ocean, assemblages show distinct latitudinal trends. context is for understanding present-day species distribution, factors controlling them, better predict how they may change future.