Open AccessEchinoderm research perspectives: A Central American bibliometric review
Author(s) -
Juan José Alvarado,
Sònia Fabregat Malé
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
cuadernos de investigación uned/cuadernos de investigación uned
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1659-4266
pISSN - 1659-441X
DOI - 10.22458/urj.v13i2.3535
Subject(s) - echinoderm , scopus , ecology , web of science , geography , biodiversity , biology , library science , medline , biochemistry , computer science
Central America, a narrow strip of land dividing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, has a high diversity of marine and terrestrial species. Echinoderms are one of the most diverse marine groups with 420 reported species. Objective: To summarize echinoderm research in Central America. Methods: We compiled the literature from SCOPUS, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, Biodiversity Heritage Library, the Internet Archive and the Smithsonian Library. Results: We found 324 publications dating from 1840 to 2020; the early studies had a strong taxonomic focus, but after the 1970s, ecology, evolution and reproduction gained prominence. Echinoidea is the most studied class (38% of publications) due to its use in evolutionary studies as well as the importance of the genus Diadema in reef ecology and dynamics. Conclusion: We recommend more research on fisheries management, conservation and environmental education; and greater integration of local and international research.