Several factors lead to expectations that the scale of larval dispersal and\udpopulation connectivity of marine animals differs with latitude. We examine\udthis expectation for demersal shorefishes, including relevant mechanisms,\udassumptions and evidence. We explore latitudinal differences in (i) biological\ud(e.g. species composition, spawning mode, pelagic larval duration, PLD),\ud(ii) physical (e.g. water movement, habitat fragmentation), and (iii) biophysical\udfactors (primarily temperature, which could strongly affect development,\udswimming ability or feeding). Latitudinal differences exist in taxonomic\udcomposition, habitat fragmentation, temperature and larval swimming,\udand each difference could influence larval dispersal. Nevertheless, clear evidence\udfor latitudinal differences in larval dispersal at the level of broad\udfaunas is lacking. For example, PLD is strongly influenced by taxon, habitat\udand geographical region, but no independent latitudinal trend is present in\udpublished PLD values. Any trends in larval dispersal may be obscured by a\udlack of appropriate information, or use of ‘off the shelf’ information that is\udbiased with regard to the species assemblages in areas of concern. Biases\udmay also be introduced from latitudinal differences in taxa or spawning\udmodes as well as limited latitudinal sampling. We suggest research to\udmake progress on the question of latitudinal trends in larval dispersal.
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