MEPS 366:1-14 (2008)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07597

ABSTRACT: Processing of organic matter by heterotrophic prokaryotes regulates carbon sequestration in the ocean, and thus influences the global climate. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the remarkable diversity of oceanic prokaryotes with estimates of >1000 species or phylotypes in a single local habitat and up to 2 million in the global ocean. However, how this prokaryotic diversity and spatial heterogeneity in their compositions contribute to regional variations in major biogeochemical fluxes driven by heterotrophic prokaryotes is still unclear. A new theoretical model integrating the metacommunity concept with oceanic biogeochemistry demonstrates that increased production of particulate organic carbon (POC) leads to increased efficiency of remineralization of POC in the surface ocean, affecting the carbon export to deep waters. This is attributed to flexible shifts in the local prokaryotic community composition in response to changes in primary production, which is facilitated by the high degree of diversity in the metacommunity and moderate immigration rates of prokaryotes into the local community. By linking the spatial heterogeneity of microbial communities to their transient dynamics, a metacommunity concept will improve our understanding of the regional variability of biogeochemical processes in the oceans.

KEY WORDS: Theoretical model · Biological pump · Carbon cycle · Biodiversity · Bacteria · Metacommunity

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Cite this article as: Miki T, Yokokawa T, Nagata T, Yamamura N (2008) Immigration of prokaryotes to local environments enhances remineralization efficiency of sinking particles: a metacommunity model. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 366:1-14. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07597 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn