Exploring biogeochemical and ecological redundancy in phytoplankton communities in the global ocean.

ABSTRACT: Climate-change-induced alterations of oceanic conditions will lead to the ecological niches of some marine phytoplankton species disappearing, at least regionally. How will such losses affect the ecosystem and the coupled biogeochemical cycles? Here, we couch this question in terms of ecological redundancy (will other species be able to fill the ecological roles of the extinct species) and biogeochemical redundancy (can other species replace their biogeochemical roles). Prior laboratory and field studies point to a spectrum in the degree of redundancy. We use a global three-dimensional computer model with diverse planktonic communities to explore these questions further. The model includes 35 phytoplankton types that differ in size, biogeochemical function and trophic strategy. We run two

SUBMITTER: Dutkiewicz S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7986797 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature