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Seaweeds in cold seas: evolution and carbon acquisition
John A Raven1, Andrew M Johnston, Janet E Kübler
1Division of Environmental and Applied Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Biological Sciences Institute, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK. j.a.raven@dundee.ac.uk
Annals of Botany
|September 27, 2002
Summary
Marine algae have adapted to Earth's changing temperatures, with some ancient species thriving in warmer climates and newer ones evolving to tolerate cooler seas. Low temperatures may favor CO2 diffusion over concentration mechanisms in photosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Paleobiology
- Marine Biology
- Photosynthesis Research
Background:
- Life originated in hydrothermal habitats; early Earth and algal evolution occurred during warmer periods.
- Significant glacial episodes, including 'Snowball Earth' events, impacted ancient algae.
- Some modern algal groups (heterokonts, dinophytes, haptophytes) evolved after major ice ages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of past climate fluctuations on algal evolution and adaptation.
- To explore the physiological responses of marine macrophytes to low temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Review of geological and paleontological evidence for past climate and algal evolution.
- Analysis of modern macroalgal distribution and temperature tolerances.
- Theoretical prediction of photosynthetic mechanisms under low temperatures.
Main Results:
- Ancient algae faced warmer seas, with some groups impacted by 'Snowball Earth' events.
- Modern dominant macroalgae, like brown algae, thrive in cooler waters despite evolving after ice ages.
- Photosynthesis in marine environments is directly influenced by water temperature.
Conclusions:
- Algal lineages show diverse evolutionary responses to long-term climate change and glaciation.
- Marine macrophytes exhibit adaptations to varying temperature regimes, influencing their distribution and physiology.
- Low temperatures may shift marine photosynthesis towards CO2 diffusion, requiring further investigation.