Data and analyses to test population performance and resilience in polychaetes as environmental indicators of estuarine ecosystems

Life history frameworks have been widely applied to gain insights into population responses to environmental change. Polychaetes, despite serving as crucial indicators of environmental change, have not yet been integrated into life history frameworks. This integration is urgent, as many polychaetes exhibit similar traits but vastly different abundances, complicating the development of robust, trait-based predictions. Here we present a computational analysis of polychaete life history strategies in estuarine ecosystems. By examining seven polychaetes - <i>Pygospio elegans, Axiothella serrata, Ophryotrocha labronica, Streblospio benedicti, Dinophilus gyrociliatus, Boccardia proboscidea</i>, and <i>Polydora cornuta</i> - we aim to elucidate how different life history strategies of morphologically similar species influence population performance and demographic resilience to disturbances. We explore how individual development and life history traits shape population-level outcomes to identify which demographic rates are key to polychaete performance and resilience. By highlighting polychaetes' adaptability and their role as indicators of environmental change, this chapter underscores their significance in research on estuarine acidification, pollution, and climate change. Our approach aims to provide valuable insights for scientists, policymakers and conservationists, advocating for sustainable practices to preserve estuarine biodiversity.