Global patterns and drivers of genetic diversity among marine habitat‐forming species

Aim Intraspecific genetic diversity is one of the pillars biodiversity, supporting resilience and evolutionary potential populations. Yet, our knowledge regarding patterns at macroecological scales, so-called macrogenetic patterns, remains scarce, particularly in marine species. Marine habitat-forming (MHF) species are key some most diverse but also impacted ecosystems, such as coral reefs forests. We characterize drivers MHF provide a baseline, which can be used for conservation planning future monitoring programmes. Location Global. Time period Contemporary. Major taxa studied Bryozoans, hexacorals, hydrozoans, octocorals, seagrasses, seaweeds, sponges. Methods analysed database including estimates based on microsatellites more than 9,000 georeferenced populations from 140 species, belong to seven animal plant taxa. Focusing expected heterozygosity, we generalized additive models test effect latitude, taxon, status. tested correlation between richness diversity. Results reveal significant complex biogeographic pattern characterized by bimodal latitudinal trend influenced taxonomy. report positive scale ecoregions. The difference protected unprotected areas was not significant. Main conclusions contrasting results animals plants suggest that observed idiosyncratic, reported terrestrial Our support existence shared diversities, remain formally identified. Concerning, these aligned existing network areas. Providing first baseline this study echoes call need consider biodiversity assessments management.