Mixoplankton and mixotrophy: future research priorities.

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Aquatic ecology
• Microbial ecology

Background:

• Phago-mixotrophy, combining photoautotrophy and phagotrophy, is a key trophic strategy in mixoplankton.
• A significant portion of protistan plankton species utilize phago-mixotrophy for nutrient acquisition.
• Current knowledge of mixoplankton significantly lags behind that of zooplankton and phytoplankton.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key research directions for advancing the understanding of phago-mixotrophy and mixoplankton.
• To highlight the importance of mixoplankton in aquatic food webs and biogeochemical cycles.
• To propose five critical areas for future research in mixoplankton ecology.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes five research directions based on current knowledge gaps.
• These directions include evolution, traits and trade-offs, biogeography, biogeochemistry, and in situ methods.
• Focus on improving identification and understanding of mixoplankton activity.

Main Results:

• The study identifies five critical research areas for advancing the field of mixoplankton.
• These areas are crucial for understanding the ecological and evolutionary significance of mixotrophy.
• Advancements in these areas will improve comprehension of mixoplankton's role in aquatic systems.

Conclusions:

• Understanding mixoplankton evolution and traits is essential.
• Investigating large-scale distribution patterns and biogeochemical roles is critical.
• Developing improved in situ methods for identifying mixoplankton and their activities is necessary.