Using alpha, beta, and zeta diversity to map the structure and function of fish community in the central East China Sea

Abstract

Exploring the seasonal dynamics of different components of biodiversity (alpha, beta, and zeta) and identifying the factors driving these patterns can help to reveal the health conditions and changes of ecosystems across different seasons. Seasonal differences in coastal fish biodiversity components were determined based on data of species abundance, traits, and mitochondrial genes. We then used multiple models to assess the relative importance of environmental and geographic variables in shaping the spatial patterns of different components of diversity. The results showed that the variation patterns of alpha diversity indices among seasons were inconsistent. All beta diversity indices showed significant seasonal variations. The rate of zeta diversity decline was highest in winter, and the compositional turnover showed no significant variations among the other three seasons. In spring, longitude was the most important factor influencing variations in alpha and beta diversity, while sea surface temperature and distance from mainland were important drivers for fish zeta diversity. Distance from mainland, sea surface temperature, and salinity were the most critical factors shaping the spatial pattern of diversity in summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Our results suggest that environmental and geographic factors play an important role in shaping the patterns of coastal fish diversity.