Abstract
The ability to effectively protect marine biodiversity is dependent upon an understanding of the connectivity between marine regions and appreciation of the mechanisms driving speciation. Larval biology, which differs significantly between marine invertebrates, is a driving force for structuring populations and habitat connectivity; knowledge of the patterns and influences of larval dispersal is important. However, genetic structuring of present day populations may also be a result of past events, such as changed current systems and coastlines during times of low sea level stands. This project will investigate the current paradigms describing the relationship between benthic marine invertebrate larval biology and their resultant biogeography and phylogeographic structure. Palaeogeographic and geotectonic factors will also be considered.
Europe