Philippe Bouchet and Colleagues Conducted a Massive Survey of Marine

question 54

Multiple Choice

Philippe Bouchet and colleagues conducted a massive survey of marine molluscs on the west coast of New Caledonia. For 20% of the total species that were located and identified, only a single specimen was found. What does that suggest about the diversity of molluscs in this area?

• A) The west coast of New Caledonia is not an appropriate habitat for molluscs.
• B) Many of the species from this 20% are probably rare.
• C) They were not sampling uniformly throughout the area.
• D) Many of the species from this 20% are most likely just dispersing through the area.

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Definitions:

Cartilage Models

Represents a phase in endochondral ossification where cartilage is eventually replaced by bone.

Skull

The bony structure forming the head, protecting the brain, and supporting the structures of the face.

Endochondral

Pertaining to the process by which bone tissue is created from cartilage, a critical path in the formation of the skeletal system of vertebrates.

Intramembranous Ossification

A process by which bone tissue forms directly from mesenchymal tissue without first forming cartilage.