A sweeping new study has unveiled a global map of marine mollusks that reflects not just present-day ocean conditions but millions of years of geological transformation. Published in Scientific Reports, the research shows how ancient shifts in land and sea, alongside temperature and ocean currents, continue to shape the biogeography of shallow-water mollusks like bivalves and bivalves.
Mapping Mollusks Diversity
Led by paleontologist Thomas A. Neubauer of the Bavarian State Collection of Paleontology and Geology, the team analyzed over 3 million mollusk distribution records from biodiversity databases GBIF and OBIS. These were correlated with sea surface temperatures and the geological history of the ocean currents to produce new biogeographical maps of modern mollusk habitats across the world’s shelf regions.
The Legacy of Ancient Currents
The study found that the age and origin of ocean currents play a major role in shaping mollusks distribution. For example, the relatively recent closure of the Isthmus of Panama (2.8 million years ago) still influences the similarity between mollusk faunas in the tropical East Pacific and West Atlantic. In contrast, the Atlantic Ocean’s much older opening, over 100 million years ago, has led to greater divergence between its eastern and western fauna.
Temperature and Evolution
Temperature emerged as a key driver of mollusk biology, influencing metabolic rates, reproduction, and evolutionary processes like speciation and extinction. Because ocean currents regulate temperature distribution, their paleogeographic development has had cascading effects on marine ecosystems. The study warns that rapid climate change is already altering surface temperatures and current patterns, threatening mollusk biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Conclusion
This new mollusk map is more than a biodiversity snapshot; it’s a testament to Earth’s dynamic history. By linking modern species distributions to ancient oceanic shifts, the study highlights how paleogeography continues to shape life beneath the waves. As climate change accelerates, understanding these long-term patterns may be crucial for protecting marine ecosystems.
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