Publications by authors named "Valentina Bernal-Duran"
Article Synopsis
- Connectivity is essential for understanding population dynamics in marine ecosystems, and recent methods have improved our ability to study it, especially along the complex Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP).
- The study focused on the notothenioid fish Harpagifer antarcticus, using biophysical modeling and population genomics to reveal congruent patterns of connectivity and genetic groups defined by limited gene flow due to local oceanographic barriers.
- Findings indicate that both geographic distance and ocean currents significantly influence the population structure of H. antarcticus, leading to discussions on connectivity estimations and conservation priorities for the marine protected area in this vulnerable region of the Southern Ocean.
Antarctic notothenioid fishes show wide adaptive morphological radiation, linked to habitat preferences and food composition. However, direct comparisons of phenotypic variability and feeding habits are still lacking, particularly in stages inhabiting nearshore areas. To assess these relationships, we collected juveniles and adults of the most common benthic species inhabiting shallow waters off the South Shetland Islands within a similar size range, the plunderfish Harpagifer antarcticus, the black rockcod Notothenia coriiceps, and the marbled rockcod Notothenia rossii.
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