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Despite their small size, bacterioplankton are a fundamental piece of aquatic ecosystems by channeling carbon to higher trophic levels through dissolved organic matter utilization. In Markus Lindh’s thesis he describes responses in bacterioplankton community composition and function when challenged by changes in environmental conditions.
Bacterioplankton is characterized by high diversity, short generation times and rapid turnover. Despite their small size, these numerous microorganisms are a fundamental part of aquatic ecosystems by channeling carbon to higher trophic levels through dissolved organic matter utilization.
Yet, several gaps remain in our knowledge and understanding of bacterioplankton populations regarding detailed temporal dynamics, and mechanisms determining biogeographical patterns and potential responses to climate change.
The aim of the thesis was to examine responses in bacterioplankton community composition and function in a changing environment. Differences in sesonal response were shown, and geographical differences were revealed. Both specialist and generalist strategies in utilizing specific dissolved organic carbon compounds were found within the bacterioplankton communities, and the important understanding of the relationship between bacterioplankton population dynamics and potential shifts in carbon cycling properties has by Markus Lindh's work increased.
His thesis emphasizes the critical importance of connecting analysis of bacterioplankton population dynamics with examination of ecological mechanisms to improve our understanding of factors that regulate the distribution and activity of distinct bacterioplankton populations.
