Modelling influences of local al climatic factors on the ocurrence and abundance of non-marine ostracods (Crustacea: Ostracoda) across Patagonia (Argentina

RAMOS, L; EPELE, L; GRECH, M; MANZO, L.; CUSMINSKY, G

HYDROBIOLOGIA

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2021 p. 1 - 16

0018-8158

n this study, we tested the significance of environmental influences on non-marine ostracodcommunities at high taxonomic levels across Patagonia, Argentina. We used a datasetcompiled from 243 Patagonian freshwater bodies, representing an area of ~900,000 kmand covering the main local and climatic gradients. We applied generalized linear models to testthe effects of hydroperiod, local and climatic variables on the occurrence and abundance of Ostracoda, and the occurrence of the most frequent families (i.e. Cyprididae, Ilyocyprididae and Limnocytheridae). We found ostracods in 77% of the total sampled sites, driven mainly by dissolved oxygen levels and water temperature (local variables) as well as precipitation and air temperature (climatic variables). Specifically, warmer winters and dryer climatesfavored ostracod occurrences, which covered wide ecological ranges, such as peat bogs or high-altitude wetlands. For the Ilyocyprididae and Limnocytheridae families, precipitation and pH were important predictors of their occurrence. Furthermore, wind speed, nutrient levels and water depth had positive effects on ostracod abundance. This updated Patagonian freshwater dataset contributes towards filling those knowledge gaps related to the habitat suitability of ostracods communities in this vast region. Our findings could help us understand the past and future responses of ostracods to environmental changes. 40 Key words: Andean forests; Arid steppe; Bioindicators; Shallow lakes; South America;