Article by: Nur Hidayahanum Hamid

Source: Yale University (ScienceDaily)

A Yale study addresses the paradox of high fish biodiversity in tropical waters versus rapid species generation in colder, high-latitude waters. The research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that fish in temperate and polar ecosystems frequently transition between shallow and deep waters, spurring species diversification. This movement is easier in colder regions, where water temperature changes less drastically with depth. However, climate change threatens this process by warming high-latitude oceans, making depth transitions more difficult and potentially hindering new species evolution. Lead author Sarah T. Friedman and coauthor Martha Muñoz analyzed data on 4,067 fish species, finding that high-latitude species like eelpouts and rockfishes transition depths more often than tropical species like gobies and wrasses. This frequent depth change allows high-latitude fish to exploit new niches and adapt locally, driving diversification. Conversely, tropical fish face significant thermal barriers to depth transition. The study suggests that current tropical biodiversity might reflect historical diversification hotspots, but most new species generation has shifted to the poles. High-latitude fish, fine-tuned to their stable thermal environments, face greater challenges from climate change, which could disrupt their ability to adapt and diversify.

Picture 1: Study reveals biodiversity engine for fishes: Shifting water depth

Picture 2: A blue rockfish in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Calif.  (Photo: Noaa's National Ocean Service)

Picture 3: Freshwater fish highlight escalating climate impacts on species (Source: IUCN Red List - Press release)

Date of Input: 29/05/2024 | Updated: 07/06/2024 | nasoha.malek