Spatial distribution of planktonic ciliates in the western Pacific Ocean: along the transect from Shenzhen (China) to Pohnpei (Micronesia).

ABSTRACT: Planktonic ciliates have been recognized as major consumers of nano- and picoplankton in pelagic ecosystems, playing pivotal roles in the transfer of matter and energy in the microbial loop. However, due to the difficulties in identification, the species composition of ciliate assemblages, especially for the small, fragile, and naked species that usually dominate the ciliate communities in the oceanic waters, remains largely unknown. In the present study, 22 stations along the transect from Shenzhen (China) to Pohnpei (Micronesia) were sampled for the enumeration of picoplankton and nanoflagellates. In addition, pigment analysis of major phytoplankton groups along with the measurements of environmental variables including temperature, salinity, and nutrients were also carried out. Ciliates

SUBMITTER: Huang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10077192 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature