Single-cell adaptations shape evolutionary transitions to multicellularity in green algae.

ABSTRACT: The evolution of multicellular life has played a pivotal role in shaping biological diversity. However, we know surprisingly little about the natural environmental conditions that favour the formation of multicellular groups. Here we experimentally examine how key environmental factors (predation, nitrogen and water turbulence) combine to influence multicellular group formation in 35 wild unicellular green algae strains (19 Chlorophyta species). All environmental factors induced the formation of multicellular groups (more than four cells), but there was no evidence this was adaptive, as multicellularity (% cells in groups) was not related to population growth rate under any condition. Instead, population growth was related to extracellular matrix (ECM) around single cells and palmelloid fo

SUBMITTER: Cornwallis CK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10250200 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature