Logo image
The central role of dispersal in the maintenance and persistence of seagrass populations
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The central role of dispersal in the maintenance and persistence of seagrass populations

G.A. Kendrick, M. Waycott, T.J.B. Carruthers, M.L. Cambridge, R. Hovey, S.L. Krauss, P.S. Lavery, D.H. Les, R.J. Lowe, O.M.I Vidal, …
BioScience, Vol.62(1), pp.56-65
2012
pdf
central_role_of_dispersal.pdfDownloadView
Published (Version of Record) Open Access
url
Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

Global seagrass losses parallel significant declines observed in corals and mangroves over the past 50 years. These combined declines have resulted in accelerated global losses to ecosystem services in coastal waters. Seagrass meadows can be extensive (hundreds of square kilometers) and long-lived (thousands of years), with the meadows persisting predominantly through vegetative (clonal) growth. They also invest a large amount of energy in sexual reproduction. In this article, we explore the role that sexual reproduction, pollen, and seed dispersal play in maintaining species distributions, genetic diversity, and connectivity among seagrass populations. We also address the relationship between long-distance dispersal, genetic connectivity, and the maintenance of genetic diversity that may enhance resilience to stresses associated with seagrass loss. Our reevaluation of seagrass dispersal and recruitment has altered our perception of the importance of long-distance dispersal and has revealed extensive dispersal at scales much larger than was previously thought possible.

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#13 Climate Action
#14 Life Below Water

Source: InCites

Metrics

291 File views/ downloads
126 Record Views

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Citation topics
3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
3.2 Marine Biology
3.2.1182 Coastal Vegetation
Web Of Science research areas
Biology
ESI research areas
Biology & Biochemistry
Logo image