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Title: Dynamic species interactions associated with the range-shifting marine gastropod Mexacanthina lugubris
Abstract

Globally, species are undergoing range shifts in response to climate change. However, the potential impacts of climate-driven range shifts are not well understood. In southern California, the predatory whelkMexacanthina lugubrishas undergone a northward range shift of more than 100 km in the past four decades. We traced the history of the whelk’s range shift and assessed potential effects using an integrated approach, consisting of field surveys, as well as feeding and thermotolerance experiments. We found that at sites whereMexacanthinaand native species co-occurred, native whelks distributions peaked lower in the intertidal. In laboratory experiments, we found that the presence ofMexacanthinaled to reduced growth in native whelks (Acanthinucella spirata). Additionally, the range-shifting whelk was able to tolerate higher temperatures than common native species (A. spirataandNucella emarginata), suggesting further impacts as a result of climate warming. Many species are likely to undergo range shifts as a coping mechanism for changing climatic conditions. However, communities are unlikely to shift as a whole due to species-specific responses. By studying the impacts of range-shifting species, likeMexacanthina, we can better understand how climate change will alter existing community structure and composition.

 
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PAR ID:
10364201
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
Springer Science + Business Media
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Oecologia
Volume:
198
Issue:
3
ISSN:
0029-8549
Format(s):
Medium: X Size: p. 749-761
Size(s):
p. 749-761
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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