Tidal marshes: A global perspective on the evolution and conservation of their terrestrial vertebrates
BioScience
By: Russell Greenberg, Jesus Maldonado, Sam Droege, and M.V. McDonald
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Abstract
Globally, tidal marshes are found in small pockets or narrow bands totaling only approximately 45,000 square kilometers. The combination of salinity, low floristic and structural complexity, and regular tidal inundation, as well as unpredictable catastrophic flooding, provides a unique selective environment that shapes local adaptations, including those that are morphological, physiological, demographic, and behavioral. Although tidal marshes support a low diversity of nonaquatic vertebrate species, a high proportion of these inhabitants, at least along North American coastlines, are restricted to or have subspecies restricted to tidal marshes. Tidal marshes and their endemic fauna face broad threats from a variety of human-caused environmental changes. Future research should focus on global inventories, intercontinental comparative work, and investigation to determine why almost all presently described endemic taxa appear to be found in North America.
Suggested Citation
Greenberg, R., Maldonado, J., Droege, S., McDonald, M., 2006, Tidal marshes: A global perspective on the evolution and conservation of their terrestrial vertebrates: BioScience, v. 56, no. 8, p. 675-685, https://doi.org/10.1641/0006-3568(2006)56[675:TMAGPO]2.0.CO;2.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Tidal marshes: A global perspective on the evolution and conservation of their terrestrial vertebrates |
| Series title | BioScience |
| DOI | 10.1641/0006-3568(2006)56[675:TMAGPO]2.0.CO;2 |
| Volume | 56 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Year Published | 2006 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Institute of Biological Sciences |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 11 p. |
| First page | 675 |
| Last page | 685 |