Mycoloop: chytrids in aquatic food webs

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Aquatic Microbiology

Background:

• Parasites significantly impact ecosystems by structuring food webs, transferring energy, and regulating disease.
• Parasitic chytrids are dominant in aquatic environments, influencing food web dynamics, especially as a food source for zooplankton.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the ecological roles of parasitic chytrids in aquatic ecosystems.
• To highlight the significance of chytrid zoospores as a food source for zooplankton and the implications of the 'mycoloop' pathway.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on parasitic chytrids and their interactions within aquatic food webs.
• Analysis of the 'mycoloop' concept, where chytrid zoospores transfer nutrients from phytoplankton to zooplankton.
• Discussion of a food web model examining the 'mycoloop's' contribution to zooplankton production.

Main Results:

• Chytrid zoospores are nutritionally valuable prey for zooplankton.
• The 'mycoloop' facilitates nutrient transfer from infected phytoplankton to zooplankton, impacting ecosystem processes.
• Zooplankton grazing on zoospores can regulate chytrid populations.
• Model simulations indicate the 'mycoloop's' importance increases with nutrient availability and system stability.

Conclusions:

• Parasitic chytrids play a vital role in aquatic food webs through the 'mycoloop' pathway.
• The 'mycoloop' influences nutrient cycling, energy transfer, and ecosystem stability.
• Further research using molecular tools is needed to explore chytrid diversity and additional 'mycoloops'.