Interocean patterns in shallow water sponge assemblage structure and function.

摘要: Sponges are a major component of benthic ecosystems across the world and fulfil number important functional roles. However, despite their importance, there have been few attempts to compare sponge assemblage structure ecological functions large spatial scales. In this review, we examine commonalities differences between shallow water (<100 m) sponges at bioregional (15 bioregions) macroregional (tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, polar) scales, provide more comprehensive understanding ecology. Patterns abundance (based on density area occupied) were highly variable, with an average cover ~1 30%. generally found occupy space (percentage cover) in Mediterranean polar macroregions, compared temperate tropical although densities (sponges m-2 ) highest bioregions. Mean species richness standardised by sampling was similar all bioregions, except for locations that supported very high small-scale biodiversity concentrations. Encrusting growth forms dominant morphology, exception Tropical West Atlantic, where upright dominated. Annelids Arthropods most commonly reported macrofauna associated With respect reproduction, no patterns gametic development (hermaphroditism versus gonochorism), tropical, macroregions had increasingly higher percentage viviparous species, respectively, viviparity being sole gamete mechanism date. Seasonal reproductive timing common but continuous bioregions We little variation larval size, type globe parenchymella. No pattens among limited information available respiration pumping rates. Many organisms predate sponges, predators systems. While is some evidence support overall proportion phototrophic Austalian bioregion Western both also numbers heterotrophic species. competitors interact anthozoans algae. Even though many our analyses demonstrate traits macroregions. identified similarities function global likely reflecting combination regional- local-scale biological physical processes affecting assemblages, along ancestry. Finally, used highlight geographic bias past research, identify gaps ecology globally. By so doing, key areas future research hope study will help researchers consider bioregion-specific features assemblages sponge-mediated from perspective.