MEPS 707:43-56 (2023)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14264

ABSTRACT: Large-scale spatial and temporal variability in environmental conditions may result in differences in life-history traits, population demography, and abundance of sandy-beach species. We analyzed the effects of salinity, chlorophyll a (chl a), and sea surface temperature (SST) on population parameters of the wedge clam Donax hanleyanus from 75 South American sandy beaches covering a 15° latitudinal range. Generalized modeling results showed that between-beach differences in abundance, population structure, growth performance, productivity, mortality, and individual shell mass were mainly explained by salinity fluctuations, with chl a and SST as secondary contributors, overriding, in most cases, local habitat features (Dean’s parameter, grain size, slope). Our results provide valuable insights into macroscale ecological processes, setting a basis to delineate conservation guidelines at large spatial scales that respond to the potential effects of climate variability and change on sandy beach populations.

KEY WORDS: Bivalve · Macroecology · Environmental correlates · Life-history traits

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Cite this article as: Risoli MC, Piola AR, Defeo O, Luzzatto D, Celentano E, Lomovasky BJ (2023) Testing macroecological hypotheses in sandy beach populations: the wedge clam Donax hanleyanus in South America. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 707:43-56. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14264 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn