What is it about?
Ciliates occur in virtually every ecosystem. They are a well-defined, species-rich, versatile group of heterotrophic and mixotrophic protists. Their response to increased temperature during global warming is critical for the structure and functioning of freshwater food webs. I conducted a meta-analysis of the literature from field studies and experimental evidence to assess the parameters characterising the thermal response of freshwater ciliates.
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Why is it important?
My findings show that ciliates, major players in planktonic food webs, are sensitive to the ongoing lake warming. More than two-thirds of the ciliate species dwelling permanently or occasionally in the free water column cannot survive at temperatures exceeding 30°C. Likewise, cold-adapted species cannot survive by evolutionary adaptation to rapidly warming environments. This research may serve as a model for similar studies with other taxa.
Perspectives
I tried to link my analysis to eco-evolutionary theory and hope this article draws the attention of ecologists and evolutionary biologists working with other organisms (e.g., larger zooplankton and algae). I identified current knowledge gaps and avenues for future research that may serve as a model study for other biota.
Univ.Prof. Dr. Thomas Weisse
Universitat Innsbruck
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Thermal response of freshwater ciliates: Can they survive at elevated lake temperatures?, Freshwater Biology, July 2024, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/fwb.14302.
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