It’s clam-plicated: how functional traits influenced extinction patterns of Neogene West Atlantic mollusks

Because mollusks are not only indispensable members of marine ecosystems, but are also essential human food sources throughout much of the world, their patterns of survival under future anthropogenic climate change conditions must be predicted in order to focus conservation efforts. Bivalves and gastropods from the West Atlantic (WA) during the Plio-Pleistocene are a well-studied and well-preserved group in the fossil record, and many species from this time period are extant. The periods of global warming during the Plio-Pleistocene can be used as an analog for predicted future climate conditions over the coming centuries, making it possible to form a predictive framework for mollusk survival using the extinct and extant taxa from that time. The present study correlated 16 functional traits, both continuous and categorical, with extinction risk in bivalves and gastropods from the Plio-Pleistocene WA. Traits considered were primarily related to metabolic requirements and predation resistance, both known factors in mollusk survival. Various statistical tests were utilized to determine the relationships of traits to one another, and the relative contribution of each trait to extinction risk. Of the traits considered, only maximum body size was significantly correlated with extinction risk. This association has significant implications for the future of WA mollusk survival.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Betz, Amy Grace

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Lieberman, Bruce S

• Paleontology
• bivalve
• functional traits
• gastropod
• mollusk
• Neogene

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright held by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:19455

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/38490