If everything is everywhere, do they share a common gene pool?

Area of Science:

• Marine microbiology
• Oceanography
• Evolutionary biology

Background:

• Marine phytoplankton are typically viewed as globally dispersed and homogenous.
• The "everything is everywhere" hypothesis suggests widespread distribution for these microbes.
• This traditional view is challenged by emerging molecular evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of marine phytoplankton communities.
• To evaluate the validity of the "everything is everywhere" hypothesis in marine microbial ecology.
• To explore the evolutionary implications of observed phytoplankton biogeography.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of molecular data from marine phytoplankton.
• Examination of spatial and temporal sampling of phytoplankton communities.
• Review of existing biogeographical data for marine phytoplankton.

Main Results:

• Molecular analyses reveal significant spatial and temporal compartmentalization in phytoplankton communities.
• Evidence suggests that phytoplankton may not share a global gene pool.
• Reported biogeographical patterns are documented.

Conclusions:

• The "everything is everywhere" hypothesis is questioned for marine phytoplankton.
• Phytoplankton communities exhibit distinct biogeographical structures.
• Observed patterns offer insights into species evolution on geological timescales.