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Novel combination coccospheres from Helicosphaera spp indicate complex relationships between species
Daniela Sturm1,2, Gerald Langer3, Glen Wheeler1
1The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, Devon, UK.
Journal of Plankton Research
|November 30, 2022
Summary
Researchers discovered new evidence of complex life cycles in coccolithophores from the Southern Ocean. Combination coccospheres reveal novel associations between haploid (HOL) and diploid (HET) life phases of Helicosphaera species.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Paleoceanography
- Biogeochemical cycling
Background:
- Coccolithophores are vital to global biogeochemical cycles.
- Their complex haplo-diplontic life cycles are not fully understood.
- Combination coccospheres link haploid (HOL) and diploid (HET) life phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe novel combination coccospheres from the Southern Ocean.
- To investigate the life cycle complexity of Helicosphaera species.
- To explore the implications of cryptic speciation in Helicosphaera.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of environmental samples from the Southern Ocean.
- Identification and characterization of combination coccospheres.
- Morphological comparison of haploid and diploid life phases.
Main Results:
- Discovery of combination coccospheres linking Helicosphaera hyalina (HET) and Helicosphaera HOL catilliferus type.
- Demonstration of multiple HET/HOL associations within Helicosphaera.
- Evidence for significant inter- and intra-specific variability.
Conclusions:
- Recent divergence in Helicosphaera may explain life cycle complexity.
- Cryptic speciation contributes to varied HET/HOL associations.
- Understanding these life cycles is crucial for biogeochemical cycling research.
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