Cyanobacteria as dominant mediator of altitudinal gradient effects on phytoplankton community diversity in freshwater ecosystems: Evidences from the freshwater Lakes along the Hu Line.

ABSTRACT: Phytoplankton are vital components of freshwater ecosystems, serving as primary producers and ecological indicators of freshwater health. While substantial research has explored the dynamics and potential drivers of phytoplankton communities in freshwater lakes, the influence of altitude-a crucial geographic factor-remains unelucidated. In this study, we investigated 26 lakes located along the eastern section of the Hu Line (Heihe-Tengchong Line) from China, focusing on how altitudinal gradients shape phytoplankton communities. Our findings reveal that cyanobacteria increasingly dominate community abundance with rising altitude. However, this dominance results in a reduction of community diversity, as cyanobacteria outcompete other taxa, thereby narrowing the ecological niches available. F

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11625245 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature