Chytrid fungi distribution and co-occurrence with diatoms correlate with sea ice melt in the Arctic Ocean.

ABSTRACT: Global warming is rapidly altering physicochemical attributes of Arctic waters. These changes are predicted to alter microbial networks, potentially perturbing wider community functions including parasite infections and saprotrophic recycling of biogeochemical compounds. Specifically, the interaction between autotrophic phytoplankton and heterotrophic fungi e.g. chytrids (fungi with swimming tails) requires further analysis. Here, we investigate the diversity and distribution patterns of fungi in relation to abiotic variables during one record sea ice minimum in 2012 and explore co-occurrence of chytrids with diatoms, key primary producers in these changing environments. We show that chytrid fungi are primarily encountered at sites influenced by sea ice melt. Furthermore, chytrid represent

SUBMITTER: Kilias ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7174370 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature