Phytoplankton intraspecific traits variation and trade-offs along environmental gradients

Phytoplankton traits vary substantially both across and within species. Interspecific trait variation plays a key role in shaping community interactions and underlies species sorting in response to environmental change. Beyond variation across species, research increasingly recognizes the importance of differences within species. This intraspecific variation can drive population structure and dynamics and underpins adaptive responses to shifting environments. Such variation arises not only among genotypes but also within genotypes through single-cell differences. Yet both levels of intraspecific trait variation remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the extent of trait plasticity, potential trade-offs, and their consequences for population dynamics in natural environments. Here, we synthesize recent advances on intraspecific variation, plasticity, and trade-offs in phytoplankton traits, and propose an approach for untangling genotypic and single-cell contributions to trait diversity to more accurately represent population responses to environmental change. We also highlight existing and developing techniques that jointly address both sources intraspecific trait variation.

Presentation Preference: Standard Oral (12 Minutes)

Primary Presenter: Arnaud Louchart, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (arnaud.louchart@gmail.com)

Authors:

Arnaud Louchart, Netherlands Institute of Ecology  (A.Louchart@nioo.knaw.nl)

Dedmer van de Waal, Netherlands Institute of Ecology  (D.vandeWaal@nioo.knaw.nl)