New Perspectives on Marine Biodiversity |
| |
Authors: | Saleem Mustafa |
| |
Institution: | Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. saleem@ums.edu.my |
| |
Abstract: | Marine and terrestrial ecosystems are so fundamentally different in some aspects that many of the issues concerning biodiversity
cannot be interpreted using a single theory of common application to all ecosystems. Their limitation is evident when it comes
to highly biodiverse and interconnected marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. Trophic links are a major factor, but space,
breeding, shelter from predators, environmental cues, behavior ingrained in genotypes, genetic variability, mutations, and
connectivity of marine critical habitats are also important. The importance of the connectivity of habitats such as coral
reefs, seagrasses, and mangrove in biodiversity preservation should be recognized. Migratory species require corridors for
gene flow and that influences diversity. The existing theories do not address the biodiversity issues related to life in the
abyssal plains and deep sea trenches and the challenge posed by climate change. An accurate understanding of marine biodiversity
requires comprehensive knowledge of ecological interrelationships and new perspectives that reflect the reality of global
environmental change. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|