Evidence for the role of endosymbionts in regional-scale habitat partitioning by hydrothermal vent symbioses.

ABSTRACT: Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are populated by dense communities of animals that form symbiotic associations with chemolithoautotrophic bacteria. To date, our understanding of which factors govern the distribution of host/symbiont associations (or holobionts) in nature is limited, although host physiology often is invoked. In general, the role that symbionts play in habitat utilization by vent holobionts has not been thoroughly addressed. Here we present evidence for symbiont-influenced, regional-scale niche partitioning among symbiotic gastropods (genus Alviniconcha) in the Lau Basin. We extensively surveyed Alviniconcha holobionts from four vent fields using quantitative molecular approaches, coupled to characterization of high-temperature and diffuse vent-fluid composition using gastight

SUBMITTER: Beinart RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3511114 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature