Future phytoplankton diversity in a changing climate

Henson, SA, Cael, BB, Allen, SR and Dutkiewicz, S 2021 Future phytoplankton diversity in a changing climate. Nature Communications, 12 (1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25699-w

[img]
Preview
Text
s41467-021-25699-w.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (2MB) | Preview
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25699-w

Abstract/Summary

The future response of marine ecosystem diversity to continued anthropogenic forcing is poorly constrained. Phytoplankton are a diverse set of organisms that form the base of the marine ecosystem. Currently, ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystem models used for climate change projections typically include only 2−3 phytoplankton types and are, therefore, too simple to adequately assess the potential for changes in plankton community structure. Here, we analyse a complex ecosystem model with 35 phytoplankton types to evaluate the changes in phytoplankton community composition, turnover and size structure over the 21st century. We find that the rate of turnover in the phytoplankton community becomes faster during this century, that is, the community structure becomes increasingly unstable in response to climate change. Combined with alterations to phytoplankton diversity, our results imply a loss of ecological resilience with likely knock-on effects on the productivity and functioning of the marine environment.

Item Type: Publication - Article
Divisions: Plymouth Marine Laboratory > National Capability categories > National Centre for Earth Observation
Plymouth Marine Laboratory > National Capability categories > Single Centre NC - CLASS
Depositing User: S Hawkins
Date made live: 29 Oct 2021 07:10
Last Modified: 29 Oct 2021 07:10
URI: https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/9451

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item