Influence of environmental variables over multiple spatial scales on the population structure of a key marine invertebrate

Quantifying scale-dependent patterns and linking ecological to environmental variation is required understand mechanisms regulating biodiversity. We conducted a large-scale survey in rocky shores along the SE Brazilian coast examine spatial variability body size density of an intertidal barnacle (Chthamalus bisinuatus) its relationships with benthic oceanographic predictors. Both barnacles showed most at smallest scales. On average, was larger on located areas characterised by higher chlorophyll levels, colder waters, low wave action influence freshwater. Barnacles were more abundant wave-exposed shores. identified critical scales important species linked population essential Our results show that populations this are coupled variation. This study offers insights into coastal little studied coastline.