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Modelling the effects of chromatic adaptation on phytoplankton community structure in the oligotrophic ocean

Modelling the effects of chromatic adaptation on phytoplankton community structure in the oligotrophic ocean
Modelling the effects of chromatic adaptation on phytoplankton community structure in the oligotrophic ocean
We explored the role of chromatic adaptation in shaping vertical phytoplankton community structures using a trait-based ecosystem model. The model included 1000 ‘phytoplankton types’ and was applied to the oligotrophic South Atlantic Gyre in a 1-
dimensional framework, where ‘phytoplankton types’
refers to the model phytoplankton that were stochastically assigned unique physiological characteristics. The model incorporates multi-spectral optics and light absorption properties for the different phytoplankton. The model successfully reproduced observed vertical gradients in the nitrate, bulk phytoplankton properties and community structure. Model phytoplankton types with Synechococcus-like spectral light absorption properties were outcompeted at depth, where eukaryote-like spectral properties were advantageous. In contrast, photoinhibition was important for vertical separation of high-light and low-light Prochlorococcus model analogues. In addition, temperature dependence was important for selection of phytoplankton
types on the temperature gradient. The fittest, or successful, phytoplankton types were characterised by combinations of simultaneously optimal traits that suited them to a particular depth in the water column, reflecting the view that phytoplankton have co-evolved multiple traits that are advantageous in a particular environmental condition or niche.
Phytoplankton, Chromatic adaptation, Photosynthesis, Niche, Modelling, Species, Selection, Pigments
1-17
Hickman, A.E.
a99786c6-65e6-48c8-8b58-0d3b5608be92
Dutkiewicz, S.
a2255d47-6686-47a1-bdee-5696ffa331c3
Williams, R.G.
2f69a4a4-acdc-4871-8e62-1ac1b84329b0
Follows, M.J.
b2eaa10d-93af-421a-a37a-5a1e446360b3
Hickman, A.E.
a99786c6-65e6-48c8-8b58-0d3b5608be92
Dutkiewicz, S.
a2255d47-6686-47a1-bdee-5696ffa331c3
Williams, R.G.
2f69a4a4-acdc-4871-8e62-1ac1b84329b0
Follows, M.J.
b2eaa10d-93af-421a-a37a-5a1e446360b3

Hickman, A.E., Dutkiewicz, S., Williams, R.G. and Follows, M.J. (2010) Modelling the effects of chromatic adaptation on phytoplankton community structure in the oligotrophic ocean. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 406, 1-17. (doi:10.3354/meps08588).

Record type: Article

Abstract

We explored the role of chromatic adaptation in shaping vertical phytoplankton community structures using a trait-based ecosystem model. The model included 1000 ‘phytoplankton types’ and was applied to the oligotrophic South Atlantic Gyre in a 1-
dimensional framework, where ‘phytoplankton types’
refers to the model phytoplankton that were stochastically assigned unique physiological characteristics. The model incorporates multi-spectral optics and light absorption properties for the different phytoplankton. The model successfully reproduced observed vertical gradients in the nitrate, bulk phytoplankton properties and community structure. Model phytoplankton types with Synechococcus-like spectral light absorption properties were outcompeted at depth, where eukaryote-like spectral properties were advantageous. In contrast, photoinhibition was important for vertical separation of high-light and low-light Prochlorococcus model analogues. In addition, temperature dependence was important for selection of phytoplankton
types on the temperature gradient. The fittest, or successful, phytoplankton types were characterised by combinations of simultaneously optimal traits that suited them to a particular depth in the water column, reflecting the view that phytoplankton have co-evolved multiple traits that are advantageous in a particular environmental condition or niche.

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More information

Published date: 2010
Keywords: Phytoplankton, Chromatic adaptation, Photosynthesis, Niche, Modelling, Species, Selection, Pigments
Organisations: Ocean Biochemistry & Ecosystems

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 210277
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/210277
PURE UUID: 2a18fce7-e908-4cae-b72d-95a572a81379
ORCID for A.E. Hickman: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-2774-3934

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 07 Feb 2012 13:16
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:43

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Contributors

Author: A.E. Hickman ORCID iD
Author: S. Dutkiewicz
Author: R.G. Williams
Author: M.J. Follows

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