Objective
The export of organic matter from the surface zone into the ocean interior is critically dependent on the specific phytoplankton taxa and their cell size. Thus, it is crucial to understand which factors select these ecological traits.
Consistently with Mar galef's thesis, experimental works indicate that diatoms outcompete other eukaryotic phytoplankton when frequent, highly turbulent conditions are punctuated by short periods of water column stability. In contrast, dinoflagellates and coccolithophorids dominate in more stable environments characterised by low nutrient supplies.
On the other hand, low nutrient concentrations are regarded as an important evolutionary force that select against large phytoplankton species in marine pelagic ecosystems. This probably accounts for the paucity of large phytoplankton in oligotrophic environments, whereas an increase in total phytoplankton biomass is commonly accompanied by an increase in the contribution of larger cells.
On the background stated above, this proposal focuses on two main hypotheses:
- nutrient composition and supply determine the taxonomic composition and size structure of the phytoplankton assemblages, and
- large-scale patterns of phytoplankton distribution are governed by simple, physiological mechanisms operating at the individual level.
To address these hypotheses:
- we will conduct 'simple' competition experiments using three-taxa, two size and mixed culture assemblage, and
- we will perform large-scale ecological analyses aimed at establishing overall patterns in the distribution of phytoplankton individuals and species in the sea.
Recent work highlights the relevance of experimentally derived data to the analysis and understanding of large-scale ecological patterns. Ultimate, our purpose is to connect phytoplankton physiology and ecology, derived from laboratory experiments, with large-scale ecological patterns.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencespalaeontologybiostratigraphy
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryinorganic compounds
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkaline earth metals
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystems
Call for proposal
FP6-2005-MOBILITY-6
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International FellowshipsCoordinator
VIGO
Spain