Environmental protection could benefit from ‘micro’ as well as ‘macro’ thinking

Scientists at the University of Southampton have conducted a study that highlights the importance of studying a full range of organisms when measuring the impact of environmental change – from tiny bacteria, to mighty whales.

Researchers at the University’s School of Ocean and Earth Science, working with colleagues at the universities of Bangor, Sydney and Johannesburg and the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, undertook a survey of marine animals, protists (single cellular organisms) and bacteria along the coastline of South Africa.

Lead researcher and postgraduate student at the University of Southampton, Luke Holman explains: “Typically, biodiversity and biogeography studies focus on one group of species at a time, often animals. Studying animals, protist and bacteria together – organisms vastly different in size, separated by billions of years of evolution – gave us the opportunity to take a broader view of the marine ecosystem. We discovered remarkably consistent biogeographic groupings for the three across the coastline – consistent with previously studied patterns, driven by regional currents.”

Findings are published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.

The team took seawater samples in numerous locations along the length of the South African coast, from the warmer seas of the east, to the cooler waters of the west and the intermediate temperatures in the south. The samples were filtered, had environmental DNA extracted and underwent sophisticated lab analysis to indicate the diverse range of organisms found in particular locations.

Results showed a broad range of animals living in the sea along the whole length of coast, but with differences in the exact species in warm, cold and intermediate regions. This same pattern of difference was also shown in bacteria and protists – demonstrating consistency in the biodiversity of life for each region.

Furthermore, the scientists found that among the variables examined temperature had the greatest impact on determining the diversity of animals and bacteria, whereas protists were associated more with chlorophyll concentration in the water. The team also revealed that while all three groups were affected to some extent by human activity, such as shipping, fishing and building of marinas, this wasn’t to the extent they’d expected.

Commenting on the study, Luke said: “We hope our work encourages researchers to consider other groups of organisms, both in biogeographic assessments and marine protection and restoration projects. For example, a project aiming to restore a coral reef might also need to consider the bacterial communities, or the protection of a river system might also ensure the protists communities are monitored in addition to the fish.”

Moving forwards the team hope to learn more about the causes and consequences of global marine biodiversity change for all life, from microscopic bacteria and protists to macroscopic organisms like fish and marine mammals.

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Notes to Editors

1) For interviews with Luke Holman, please contact Peter Franklin, Media Relations, University of Southampton. Email: p.franklin@southampton.ac.uk Tel: 07748 321087

2) The paper Animals, protists and bacteria share marine biogeographic patterns is published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution (DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01439-7) and can be found at https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-021-01439-7 after the embargo has lifted.

3) The University of Southampton drives original thinking, turns knowledge into action and impact, and creates solutions to the world’s challenges. We are among the top 100 institutions globally (QS World University Rankings 2021). Our academics are leaders in their fields, forging links with high-profile international businesses and organisations, and inspiring a 22,000-strong community of exceptional students, from over 135 countries worldwide. Through our high-quality education, the University helps students on a journey of discovery to realise their potential and join our global network of over 200,000 alumni. http://www.southampton.ac.uk

4) For further information about the School of Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/oes/index.page

5) For more on the universities of Bangor, Sydney and Johannesburg visit:

https://www.bangor.ac.uk/

https://www.sydney.edu.au/

https://www.uj.ac.za/