Historical and ecological drivers of the spatial pattern of Chondrichthyes species richness in the Mediterranean Sea.

摘要: Chondrichthyes, which include Elasmobranchii (sharks and batoids) Holocephali (chimaeras), are a relatively small group in the Mediterranean Sea (89 species) playing key role ecosystems where they found. At present, many species of this threatened as result anthropogenic effects, including fishing activity. Knowledge spatial distribution these is great importance to understand their ecological for efficient management populations, particularly if affected by fisheries. This study aims analyze patterns Chondrichthyes richness Sea. Information provided studied countries was used model geographical variables affecting richness. The were distributed 16 Operational Geographical Units (OGUs), derived from Sub-Areas (GSA) adopted General Fisheries Commission (GFCM). Regression analyses with target variable adjusted set environmental variables, being that links distance Strait Gibraltar number taxonomic families bony fishes one best explains it. suggests both historical factors affect current within