The coral communities of the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico: structure and biogeographic relevance to the Eastern Pacific

摘要: Various authors have suggested that the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico, may play a significant biogeographic role in dispersal of Indo Pacific coral species into Eastern Pacific; however, communities this archipelago received scarce attention to date. Here, we first addressed community structure across islands and, by employing ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle-tracking experiments, used information evaluate relevance for dispersal. Twenty-four were recorded archipelago. Coral cover varied significantly among islands: Maria Cleofas had large values (38.5%), intermediate observed Madre (26.5%) Magdalena (22.84%), relatively low San Juanito (18.5%). mainly consisted Pocillopora (57.3%) Porites (25.5%) species, while Pavona (16%) Psammocora (0.6%) made minor contributions. Thirteen stony identified archipelago; these profundacella duerdeni represent new records. Ordination experiments similar connecting paths studied area; general, stands as route Northeastern Pacific. In regional context, has three major implications dispersal: (i) stepping stone transport individuals Revillagigedo Gulf California tropical Mexican (ii) seminal maintaining genetic connectivity between southern northern populations along (iii) because its pristine status levels human impact, potentially serve source propagules ecosystem recovery coast mainland following natural and/or induced perturbations.