geer > 2000 > poster > molluscan faunal distribution in florida bay, past and present: an integration of down-core and modern data
Molluscan Faunal Distribution in Florida Bay, past and present: An integration of down-core and modern dataPoster presented December 2000, at the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Conference G. Lynn Brewster-Wingard, and Jeffery R. Stone, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA [ Disclaimer ]
IntroductionAnalyzing historical patterns of change in molluscan assemblages is a very powerful tool in reconstructing the history of an ecosystem. Molluscs possess a number of characteristics that make them excellent indicators:
We believe changes in molluscan assemblages identify significant perturbations of an environment and filter out "noise" caused by short-term fluctuations, such as those caused by tropical storms. By understanding the factors controlling modern distributions of molluscs, we can interpret patterns of change in the past, and in turn, predict future responses to human-induced or natural environmental change. MethodsModern field data were compiled from 26 sites visited biannually between February 1995 and July 1999. Modern data consist of 1) a presence/absence data set, 2) vegetation sample counts, and 3) push core sample counts. Modern data were compared to percent abundance data from four cores using UPGM cluster analyses, with cosine theta distance measurement. Note: Whipray Core was not included in statistical analyses.
Next: Modern Field Data Click here for a printable version of this page (note: document will open in a new browser window) Related information: SOFIA Project: Ecosystem History: Florida Bay and the Southwest Coast
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Last updated: 23 December, 2004 @ 08:12 AM (KP)