Projects per year
Abstract
Coccolithophores are globally important marine calcifying phytoplankton that utilize a haplo-diplontic life cycle. The haplo-diplontic life cycle allows coccolithophores to divide in both life cycle phases and potentially expands coccolithophore niche volume. Research has, however, to date largely overlooked the life cycle of coccolithophores and has instead focused on the diploid life cycle phase of coccolithophores. Through the synthesis and analysis of global scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coccolithophore abundance data (n = 2534), we find that calcified haploid coccolithophores generally constitute a minor component of the total coccolithophore abundance (≈ 2 %-15 % depending on
season). However, using case studies in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, we show that, depending on environmental conditions, calcifying haploid coccolithophores
can be significant contributors to the coccolithophore standing stock (up to ≈ 30 %). Furthermore, using hypervolumes to quantify the niche of coccolithophores, we illustrate that the haploid and diploid life cycle phases inhabit contrasting niches and that on average this allows coccolithophores to expand their niche by ≈ 18.8 %, with a range of 3 %–76 % for individual species.
Our results highlight that future coccolithophore research should consider both life cycle stages, as omission of the haploid life cycle phase in current research limits our understanding of coccolithophore ecology. Our results furthermore suggest a different response to nutrient limitation and stratification, which may be of relevance for further climate scenarios.
Our compilation highlights the spatial and temporal sparsity of SEM measurements and the need for new molecular techniques to identify uncalcified haploid coccolithophores.
Our work also emphasizes the need for further work on the carbonate chemistry niche of the coccolithophore life cycle.
season). However, using case studies in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, we show that, depending on environmental conditions, calcifying haploid coccolithophores
can be significant contributors to the coccolithophore standing stock (up to ≈ 30 %). Furthermore, using hypervolumes to quantify the niche of coccolithophores, we illustrate that the haploid and diploid life cycle phases inhabit contrasting niches and that on average this allows coccolithophores to expand their niche by ≈ 18.8 %, with a range of 3 %–76 % for individual species.
Our results highlight that future coccolithophore research should consider both life cycle stages, as omission of the haploid life cycle phase in current research limits our understanding of coccolithophore ecology. Our results furthermore suggest a different response to nutrient limitation and stratification, which may be of relevance for further climate scenarios.
Our compilation highlights the spatial and temporal sparsity of SEM measurements and the need for new molecular techniques to identify uncalcified haploid coccolithophores.
Our work also emphasizes the need for further work on the carbonate chemistry niche of the coccolithophore life cycle.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1161–1184 |
Number of pages | 24 |
Journal | Biogeosciences |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 16 Feb 2021 |
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CoccoTrait: Revealing Coccolithophore Trait diversity and its climatic impacts
Monteiro, F. M. (Principal Investigator), Wolf, L. J. (Co-Investigator) & Poulton, A. J. (Co-Investigator)
1/11/22 → 31/10/25
Project: Research
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An unexpected requirement for silicon in coccolithophore calcification: ecological and evolutionary implications
Monteiro, F. M. (Principal Investigator) & Wheeler, G. (Principal Investigator)
1/04/16 → 1/01/20
Project: Research
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Determining the marine ecosystem response to global change: Lessons from the past using a new Earth system model
Monteiro, F. M. (Principal Investigator)
1/10/12 → 31/08/18
Project: Research
Student theses
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Coccolithophore ecology : with a special focus on their life cycle and standing stocks
De Vries, J. C. (Author), Monteiro, F. M. (Supervisor), Wheeler, G. (Supervisor), Brownlee, C. (Supervisor) & Andrews, O. D. (Supervisor), 21 Mar 2023Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Profiles
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Dr Fanny M Monteiro
- School of Geographical Sciences - Associate Professor in Ocean Sciences
- Cabot Institute for the Environment
- The Bristol Research Initiative for the Dynamic Global Environment (BRIDGE)
Person: Academic , Member