Seasonal genotype dynamics of a marine dinoflagellate: Pelagic populations are homogeneous and as diverse as benthic seed banks.

ABSTRACT: Genetic diversity is the basis for evolutionary adaptation and selection under changing environmental conditions. Phytoplankton populations are genotypically diverse, can become genetically differentiated within small spatiotemporal scales and many species form resting stages. Resting stage accumulations in sediments (seed banks) are expected to serve as reservoirs for genetic information, but so far their role in maintaining phytoplankton diversity and in evolution has remained unclear. In this study we used the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium ostenfeldii (Dinophyceae) as a model organism to investigate if (i) the benthic seed bank is more diverse than the pelagic population and (ii) the pelagic population is seasonally differentiated. Resting stages (benthic) and plankton (pelagic) samp

SUBMITTER: Jerney J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9298838 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature