Diversity of terrestrial invertebrates in subterranean habitats
Deharveng, L.; Bedos, A. (2018). Diversity of terrestrial invertebrates in subterranean habitats, in: Moldovan, O.T. et al. Cave Ecology. Ecological Studies, Analysis and Synthesis, 235: pp. 107-172. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98852-8_7
In: Ecological Studies, Analysis and Synthesis., more
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| Abstract |
This chapter deals with the diversity of terrestrial cave invertebrates from the viewpoint of its contribution to global diversity and of the variety of morphological traits and life forms associated with cave habitats. We stress the low diversity of cave compared to non-cave fauna, its uneven taxonomic and geographic distribution, differences in its composition between temperate and tropical bioclimates, and its high originality, due to its richness in endemics, in large radiations and in relictual species. The main morphological traits linked to subterranean life as well as their relevance as markers of troglomorphy are discussed. Life forms classically used for describing morphological features of cave organisms are redefined in a larger context. The diversity patterns of the different subterranean groups are summarized in turn in the same perspective, with a focus on the magnitude of their taxonomic richness, of recent progress in their knowledge, and on life forms. |
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