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Cumacean zoogeography : the zoogeography of Tasmanian shallow water marine zoobenthos exemplified by some Cumacea

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posted on 2023-05-26, 22:53 authored by Dartnall, Alan J.(Alan John), 1941-
This thesis incorporates the results of studies into the distributions of the Cumacea whose members are one of the groups of animals living in shallow water sands off eastern Tasmania. My approach assumes that patterns of animal distribution exist. This may be regarded as an expression of belief. However, as MacArthur (1927) has pointed out most investigations of biological distributions reveal pattern at some scale. The approach is supported also by the work of Taylor, Woiwod and Perry (1978) who suggested that spatial randomness is highly improbable because the behavioural responses of living organisms mediate dispersive processes. 1.1 Layout The text of this account is divided into two main sections. The first deals with the zoogeography of shallow water cumaceans in eastern Tasmania. The second section contains an account of cumacean spatial distribution at the benthic interface and, briefly, the place of these animals in the water column. 1.2 Timing This project commenced in March, 1977. The formal cut-off point for literature survey was June, 1979. All literature quoted after that date results from browsing or the intermission of friendly gatekeepers. 1.3 Statement of Intent During a period of eleven years as a working naturalist in Tasmania the geographic distribution of the Tasmanian marine fauna has been of interest. The concept of the Maugean marine province (Iredale and May, 1916) proved a useful working hypothesis if only because it provided a framework upon which to hang observed distributions. This descriptive approach was emphasized in a paper upon Tasmanian littoral biogeography (Dartnall, 1974). Other work which is referred to later in this text suggested that marine animal distributions along the east coast of Tasmania were interrupted by a discontinuity at the approximate latitude of Maria Is. (c. 42o 31'S). Vernacular evidence from other working zoologists offered nothing to refute this view. It was with some surprise, therefore, to read the work of King (1972) and to discover that the distribution of littoral algae did not support the concept of a Maugean marine province. Both King and myself have suggested that marine biogeographic regions should reflect oceanographic conditions and that investigation of Maugean distributions might continue profitably offshore. This thesis is the result of that suggestion. The pathways followed during this work are summarized in a flow diagram following the conclusions. Logical pathways are direct but labyrinthine logic plots its own web. The actual routes followed are indicated.

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Copyright 1981 the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s). Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Tasmania, 1983. Bibliography: l. 134-170

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