Reproductive strategy as a piece of the biogeographic puzzle: a case study using Antarctic sea stars (Echinodermata, Asteroidea)

A comprehensive analysis of Antarctic sea star biogeography reveals that reproductive strategy—brooding versus broadcasting—significantly influences species distribution across the Southern Ocean. The study, based on over 14,000 asteroid occurrences, identified distinct biogeographic patterns, including the isolation of New Zealand and high richness in the Scotia Arc region, particularly among brooding species. It also highlighted faunal affinities between South America and sub-Antarctic islands while noting lower endemism levels than previously reported (29% Antarctica-only species). The research used advanced statistical methods like bootstrapped spanning network (BSN), non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS), and clustering to uncover these patterns, which align with findings from other marine groups. The study suggests that historical factors further shape biogeographic differences at taxonomic levels.

Moreau, C., Saucède, T., Jossart, Q., Agüera, A., Brayard, A., & Danis, B. (2017). Reproductive strategy as a piece of the biogeographic puzzle: a case study using Antarctic sea stars (Echinodermata, Asteroidea). Journal of Biogeography, 44(4), 848–860. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12965