A critique of traditional approaches to seaweed distribution in light of the development of vicariance biogeography

Abstract

An overview of the primary approaches to seaweed biogeography is provided in light of the development of vicariance biogeography. Each approach is discussed with particular regard to the extent to which the methods and objectives are compatible with vicafiance. Ecological biogeography is considered an offshoot of ecology and physiology and is more appropriate in determining current distributions of organisms and aspects of physiological ecology rather than the spedation history of monophyletic groups. The R/P quotient of Feldmann and distribution of algal life-forms do not fall within the aegis of vicariance and are considered useful only in a descriptive sense. The examination of seaweed spans propounded by Pielou is considered flawed because of the lack of dependence on monophyletic groups. The floristic school of analysis of many seaweed biogeographers is analagous to the panhiogeography of Croizat, and provides the basis for the more concrete phylogenetic hypotheses that are the basis for vicariance analysis. The latter is considered the best methodology for studying the relationship between patterns of cladogenesis and the distribution of constituent taxa.

Circumpolar dispersal by rafting in two subantarctic kelp-dwelling crustaceans

“…The acceptance of the plate tectonic theory in the late 1960s inspired largely vicariant explanations of such broad distributions (e.g. Garbary 1987, Chin et al 1991, with many historical biogeographers tending towards the view that species distributions are driven more by long-term geological processes than by dispersal events (Nelson & Platnick 1981, Humphries & Parenti 1999, Ebach & Tangney 2007. The increasing use of molecular data in biogeographical research has, however, demonstrated that general (multitaxon) biogeographical patterns can be generated via long-distance oceanic dispersal events, if the mechanism allowing for dispersal operates steadily over long periods (see review by Sanmartín et al 2007).…”

Marine macroalgae and associated flowering plants from the Keret Archipelago, White Sea, Russia

“…Table 3. Feldmann (1937) and Cheney (1977) The Feldmann (1937) and Cheney (1977) indices have been used extensively as a general measure of the arctic to tropical nature of floras (see discussion of these metrics in Garbary 1987). Using the revised species totals from this study one can calculate the indices for the Keret Archipelago and other subarctic areas (Table 3).…”

The biogeography of Lessoniaceae, with special reference to Macrocystis C. Agardh (Phaeophyta: Laminariales)

“…This fact was exploited by Croizat (1958) in his panbiogeography, a method which synthesises data from geology, zoogeography and phytogeography. Garbary (1987) has recently suggested that panbiogeographic track analysis could make an important contribution to seaweed studies.…”