Microbes as marine habitat formers and ecosystem engineers.

Autor: Danovaro R; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy. r.danovaro@univpm.it.; National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy. r.danovaro@univpm.it., Levin LA; Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA., Fanelli G; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy., Scenna L; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy., Corinaldesi C; National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy. c.corinaldesi@univpm.it.; Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy. c.corinaldesi@univpm.it.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Nature ecology & evolution [Nat Ecol Evol] 2024 Aug; Vol. 8 (8), pp. 1407-1419. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jun 06.
DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02407-7
Abstrakt: Despite their small individual size, marine prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes can form large 3D structures and complex habitats. These habitats contribute to seafloor heterogeneity, facilitating colonization by animals and protists. They also provide food and refuge for a variety of species and promote novel ecological interactions. Here we illustrate the role of microbes as ecosystem engineers and propose a classification based on five types of habitat: microbial mats, microbial forests, microbial-mineralized habitats, microbial outcrops and microbial nodules. We also describe the metabolic processes of microbial habitat formers and their ecological roles, highlighting current gaps in knowledge. Their biogeography indicates that these habitats are widespread in all oceans and are continuously being discovered across latitudes and depths. These habitats are also expected to expand under future global change owing to their ability to exploit extreme environmental conditions. Given their high ecological relevance and their role in supporting endemic species and high biodiversity levels, microbial habitats should be included in future spatial planning, conservation and management measures.
(© 2024. Springer Nature Limited.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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