Distribution and variability of long-lived benthic animals as indicators of currents and hydrological conditions

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Abstract
Long-lived benthic invertebrates which lack a pelagic stage in their development are better indicators of the long-term system of currents and the nature of the water masses than any other marine organisms. Analysis of the ranges of Buccinum L. and Neptunea BOLTEN (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia) of different biogeographical types in the North Atlantic and neighbouring waters indicates that the distribution of species reveals only the general nature of hydrological conditions. The distribution of intraspecific forms enable us to detect changes in the velocity of the currents, to discover fine differences in the physical and chemical conditions and to draw a more accurate picture of the hydrological system. The existence of several intraspecific forms within an area and the appearance of aberrations are a good indication of changeable hydrological conditions.

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