|
Title
|
Diversity and ecology of the Dendrobaena genus (Oligochaeta: Megadrili) from Iran
|
|
Type
|
Presentation
|
|
Keywords
|
Dendrobaena, Temperature, physical barriers
|
|
Abstract
|
Aim: To date, seven species belonging to the Dendrobaena genus have been described in Iran, which show high intraspecific variability. Therefore, the aim of this study is to gain ecological knowledge about this lumbricid genus, with the widest geographical distribution in Iran. Method: The georeferenced information of all sampling sites was obtained using the global positioning system (GPS). The distribution models were constructed based on five bioclimatic variables from Worldclim (http://www.worldclim.org). Results: Mean Temperature and Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter were the best predictors of species occurrence. Accordingly, the most suitable habitats for the Iranian Dendrobaena species are limited in Northwest regions of the country and restricted to Mountainous areas. Conclusions: Low temperature oscillations may have promoted population sizes in those areas with more precipitation in. Probably another reason for the higher abundance of these species in these regions is their low active dispersal capabilities and the effect of mountains as physical barriers.
|
|
Researchers
|
Maria J. I. Briones (Third Researcher), Atabak Roohi Aminjan (Second Researcher), Robabeh Latif (First Researcher)
|