Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
addClaim

Global distribution and biomass of the mesopelagic mesozooplankton and micronekton community

Authors: Egorova, Yulia;

Global distribution and biomass of the mesopelagic mesozooplankton and micronekton community

Abstract

Despite the ecological importance of mesopelagic zooplankton, very little is known about their global distribution in the midwater realm, and even less information is available on global trends in their diversity. This study is the first attempt to explore the distribution, diversity gradients, and total biomass of mesopelagic mesozooplankton and micronekton in the global ocean. This study created the first quantitative Mesopelagic Mesozooplankton and Micronekton Database, organizing and standardizing a broad spectrum of literature sources for effective data analysis. Analyzing 861 mesozooplankton species using a range of species distribution models, the study found that the highest species richness was observed in the North Atlantic region, the west coast of India, and the Mediterranean Sea. Factors such as water temperature, euphotic zone depth, salinity, and dissolved nitrate concentration were essential for explaining their distribution. The results of this study indicate that NPP and POC are important factors that influence the biomass of mesopelagic mesozooplankton. The global mesozooplankton population in the mesopelagic zone was estimated using estimates of particulate organic carbon (POC) and primary productivity (NPP). Linear models fitted to predict mesopelagic mesozooplankton biomass using NPP and POC data were able to explain a moderate-to-substantial proportion of variance. The distribution patterns of mesopelagic mesozooplankton biomass showed enhanced values in certain regions, such as the Northern Hemisphere, west coasts of continents, and equatorial and 50°S bands. Global mesopelagic mesozooplankton biomass was estimated to range between 0.20-0.91 PgC, depending on the method used. Overall, this study provides an estimate of mesopelagic mesozooplankton biomass using the classical definition of the mesopelagic zone, and an estimate that considers the variable depth of this layer. The findings indicated that POC was a more reliable indicator of mesozooplankton biomass than NPP, particularly in more northerly latitudes. The research also showed that low mesopelagic mesozooplankton biomass is linked to low POC levels and low range-size rarity and species diversity, but higher biomass values are more often found in areas with moderate rarity values and high species diversity, combined with high POC.

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Upload OA version
Are you the author of this publication? Upload your Open Access version to Zenodo!
It’s fast and easy, just two clicks!