Patterns of Diversity in Marine Phytoplankton

Andrew D.Barton et al.

Presented by Florian Scharhauser

Introduction

Decline in species diversity with increasing latitude in terrestrial and marine ecosystems e.g.: Rainforest and Tundra

Impact on ecosystem structure and function Patterns of marine phytoplankton Similar processes as for macroorganisms? Latitudinal diversity patterns are not proofen

The Study

Idealized model:

Three dimensional, time-varying gobal ocean circualtion, biogeochemistry and ecosystem model. A system with only one limiting nutrient

Self-assemblage of phytoplankton communties according to relative fitness

large-scale oceanic patterns in distribution of biomass and community structure + niche differentation.

The Study - Resulst

Decrease of phytoplankton diversity with increasing latitude

Seasonal variabilty of the environment led to competive exclusion of phytoplankton 10 integrations from the global model taken for this study, each with different types of phytoplankton R* =phytoplankton type with the lowest environmental nutrient concentration at which growth and mortality rate are in balance

Study - Results

In each case: a dozen phytoplanton types account for 99% of the total biomass High latitudes: Fast growing opportunists Low latitudes: Gleaners

Others(1%) showed low abundance, limited distribution or even virtual extinction Hot spots of highest diversity linked with regions of highly energetic circulation

Interpretation

Biggest influence on phytoplankton diversity gradients: Dispersal and temporal variability of the environment Good explanation for temporal variability: Recource competition theory Biomass change: balance between growth and mortality; Nutrient change rate: consumption and supply

Interpretation

Coexistence of physiological distinct phytoplankton, but with the same low R* in suband tropical regions Possible explanation for a higher phytoplankton diversity at lower latitudes relatively steady environmental conditions

Time-varying, periodic nutrient source added; leads to competitive exclusion;

Interpretation

Higher latitudes: lower div. of phytoplankton types high growth rate and low R* short time scale of competitive exclusion strong seasonal variations coexistence unlikely

Lower latitudes: high div. of phytoplankton low growth rate and high R* long time scale of competitive exclusion weak or no seasonal variations Coexistence!!

Interpretation

Hot spots of highest diversity: ocean dynamics mix organisms from different habitats boundary currents transport water and communities which mix with local communities higher diversity and biomass But: they could be outcompeted Exclusion time scale is quite long

Pros and Cons

Pro stable conditions promote coexistence

Contra: Predictions are not robust Slighlty lower R* (spec. 2) leads to completely different results

only two types of phytoplankton in Huisman's model Coexistence at intermediate levels env. variability, not very likely for more diverse communities Huisman's model is a special case within the broader possible range of organisms

Not in line with intermediate disturbance hypothesis Competition experiments: most phytop. spec. are not equivalent competitors

Coexistence also in fluctuating environments