The archaeocidarids comprise the most derived stem group echinoids and have long been regarded as closely related to the crown group. The fossil record of echinoids in the Palaeozoic is, however, poor, so details surrounding the initial divergence of crown group echinoids are not well constrained. In order to better understand the phylogenetic relationships of the most derived stem group and most basal crown group echinoids, a phylogenetic analysis was undertaken of the Archaeocidaridae, including the genera
Spatial distribution, diversity, and taphonomy of clypeasteroid and spatangoid echinoids of the central Florida Keys
Background Irregular echinoids are ecosystem engineers with diverse functional services. Documenting present-day distribution of those widespread organisms is important for understanding their ecological significance and enhancing our ability to interpret their rich fossil record. Methods This study summarizes SCUBA surveys of clypeasteroid and spatangoid echinoids conducted in 2020 and 2021 along the central part of the Florida Keys. The survey included observations on both live and dead specimens, their distribution, habitat preferences, abundance, and live-dead comparison. Results Echinoids were found at 17 out of 27 examined sites (63%) and occurred across a wide range of habitats including coastal seagrass meadows, subtidal sand and seagrass settings of the Hawk Channel, backreef sands, and fine muddy sands of deeper forereef habitats. The encountered species, both dead and alive, included Clypeaster rosaceus (four sites), Clypeaster subdepressus (five sites), Encope michelini (three sites), Leodia sexiesperforata (eight sites), Meoma ventricosa (nine sites), and Plagiobrissus grandis (four sites). All sites were dominated by one species, but some sites included up to five echinoid species. Live-dead fidelity was high, including a good agreement in species composition of living and dead assemblages, congruence in species rank abundance, and overlapping spatial distribution patterns. This high fidelity may either reflect long-term persistence of local echinoid populations or fragility of echinoid tests that could prevent post-mortem transport and the formation of time-averaged death assemblages. Regardless of causative factors, the live-dead comparisons suggest that irregular echinoid assemblages, from settings that are comparable to the study area, may provide a fossil record with a high spatial and compositional fidelity. The survey of live fauna is consistent with past regional surveys in terms of identity of observed species, their rank abundance, and their spatial distribution patterns. The results suggest that despite increasingly frequent hurricanes, active seasonal fisheries, massive tourism, and urban development, irregular echinoids continue to thrive across a wide range of habitats where they provide diverse ecosystem services by oxygenating sediments, recycling organic matter, supporting commensal organisms, and providing food to predators. Results reported here document the present-day status of local echinoid populations and should serve as a useful reference point for assessing future regional changes in echinoid distribution and abundance.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2127623
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10447237
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- PeerJ
- Volume:
- 10
- ISSN:
- 2167-8359
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- e14245
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14245
