Interactions at sea: on the microbiome life-cycle and biogeochemical processes

Area of Science:

• Marine microbial ecology
• Microbial interactions
• Biogeochemical cycles

Background:

• The marine phycosphere is a microscale environment surrounding phytoplankton.
• It is analogous to the terrestrial rhizosphere, mediating microbial interactions and marine biochemistry.
• Understanding the phycosphere links micro-communal interactions to macro-level biogeochemical cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate why marine microbial ecology favors an interactionist epistemic framework.
• To examine if the marine environment offers a unique framework for studying interactions and interdependence.
• To explore how marine studies can address challenges in microbial ecological stability and life cycles.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of marine and soil microbial ecology.
• Application of Helen Longino's interactionist ontology.
• Literature review of marine environmental studies and microbial ecology.

Main Results:

• The marine environment, particularly the water column, offers distinct epistemic and methodological advantages.
• Marine microbial ecology inherently promotes a focus on interactions and interdependence.
• This focus provides unique insights into microbial ecological stability and life cycles.

Conclusions:

• The sea fosters a unique interactionist epistemic framework in microbial ecology.
• Marine microbial ecology offers valuable insights for understanding microbial communities and ecosystems.
• The study highlights the epistemic advantages of exploring microbial interactions at sea.