WITTMANN K. J., 1999: Global biodiversity in Mysidacea, with notes on the effects of human impact. In : F.R. SCHRAM & J.C. VON VAUPEL KLEIN (Eds.), Crustaceans and the Biodiversity Crisis. Brill, Leiden. Vol. 1: 511-525.
Among the 1078 taxa of mysids and lophogastrids so far described on a world-wide scale, there is a strong latitudinal decrease in species numbers and diversity from the equator towards higher latitudes. The number in the northern hemisphere is more than twice that of the southern part of the globe, and may be indicative of a strong bias in degree of exploration. Ninety-one percent are marine species, the remainder lives in brackish, fresh, or subterranean waters. Seventy-four percent are benthopelagic or benthic species, whereby, with the development of more efficient sampling methods, this percentage will tend to increase. Extrapolations departing from species numbers in well studied areas suggest that the globe may be populated by a minimum of around 4000 living species.
Areal regression or even complete extinction of populations due to human impact can be documented. Endangerment arises from the heavy pollution of coastal waters, desalination of estuaries and lagoons due to the construction of dykes and canals, artificial reconstruction of waters, groundwater drainage, and the repeated application of pesticides. The possible effects on native species caused by invasive ones dispersed by man across oceans or along artificial waterways is not known. If the current adverse trends continue, a substantial portion of the estimated figure of more than 3000 undescribed species may become extinct before being described by science.
biodiversity; endangered species; environmental change; taxonomy; distribution
Mysidacea; Lophogastrida; Mysida; Diamysis mecznikowi; Diamysis sp.; Gastrosaccus widhalmi; Hemimysis anomala; Heteromysis microps; Leptomysis lingvura adriatica; Leptomysis posidoniae; Leptomysis truncata; Limnomysis benedeni; Mesopodopsis slabberi; Mysis relicta; Neomysis japonica; Paramysis agigensis; Paramysis baeri; Paramysis intermedia; Paramysis lacustris; Paramysis ullskyi; Praunus flexuosus; Schistomysis assimilis; Siriella castellabatensis