A multitrophic model to quantify the effects of marine viruses on microbial food webs and ecosystem processes.

ABSTRACT: Viral lysis of microbial hosts releases organic matter that can then be assimilated by nontargeted microorganisms. Quantitative estimates of virus-mediated recycling of carbon in marine waters, first established in the late 1990s, were originally extrapolated from marine host and virus densities, host carbon content and inferred viral lysis rates. Yet, these estimates did not explicitly incorporate the cascade of complex feedbacks associated with virus-mediated lysis. To evaluate the role of viruses in shaping community structure and ecosystem functioning, we extend dynamic multitrophic ecosystem models to include a virus component, specifically parameterized for processes taking place in the ocean euphotic zone. Crucially, we are able to solve this model analytically, facilitating evaluat

SUBMITTER: Weitz JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4438322 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature