Patagonian Fjords/Channels vs. Open Ocean: Phytoplankton Molecular Diversity on Southern Chilean Coast.

ABSTRACT: Environmental filtering studies have revealed immense oceanic microbial diversity, yet the Southeast Pacific remains comparatively undersampled. We characterize the molecular diversity of phytoplankton across two biogeographic domains with contrasting oceanography-fjords and channels (41-53° S) versus the open Pacific (36-42° S)-where the frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms (HABs) have increased. Using SSU rRNA metabarcoding, we retrieved community composition and biogeographic patterns for micro-phytoplankton. Diversity signals indicated broadly overlapping communities between domains with subtle shifts along hydrographic and nutrient gradients rather than sharp breaks. Phylogenetic resolution within bloom-forming genera recovered well-supported clades, and multiple ASVs match

SUBMITTER: Fuenzalida G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12736203 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature