5 CONCLUSIONS
Our study reveals the significant role of temperature, salinity, and
some nutrients (such as nitrates, phosphates and silicates) in shaping
the distribution of sea snakes. These variables are known to have
implications for the morphology, diving behavior, coral reefs health,
and feeding habits of sea snakes Moreover, our findings offer valuable
insights for conservation management strategies.
Furthermore, our study demonstrates the asymmetric realized thermal
limits of sea snakes, with less variation in their upper thermal limits
compared to their lower thermal limits. This pattern is consistent with
previous research on other endothermic and ectothermic species and has
critical implications for sea snakes under scenarios of sea warming.
Suggesting that sea snakes have accumulated greater plasticity in their
lower thermal limits through an evolutionary process.