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geer > 2000 > poster > molluscan faunal distribution in florida bay, past and present: an integration of down-core and modern data > diversity and abundance

Molluscan Faunal Distribution in Florida Bay, past and present: An integration of down-core and modern data

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Introduction and Methods | Modern Field Data | Core Data | Water Quality and Salinity | Vegetation | Diversity and Abundance | Conclusion and Future Directions

Diversity and Abundance

Absolute abundance of molluscs and faunal richness in three cores from Florida Bay and one core from Biscayne Bay
red line Absolute Abundance

blue line Faunal Richness
Absolute abundance of molluscs (brick) and faunal richness (blue) in three cores from Florida Bay (Whipray, Bob Allen and Russell) and one core from Biscayne Bay (Featherbed Bank). Highlighted sections show zones in the cores where abundance and faunal richness drop dramatically in all cores analyzed.[larger image]

These data on molluscan diversity illustrate that periodically region-wide changes in populations occur, indicating that a number of factors converge to affect the health of the system. Based on the population decline in the late 1800's, it would appear that these declines are at least in part, due to natural causes. We believe molluscs serve as good proxies for the biodiversity and health of the ecosystem, therefore it is important to focus on these periods of change and determine the interrelated factors and forcing mechanisms involved.

Next: Conclusions and Future Directions

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Related information:

SOFIA Project: Ecosystem History: Florida Bay and the Southwest Coast

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Last updated: 23 December, 2004 @ 08:18 AM (KP)