Rising ocean temperatures may increase global populations of key marine bacteria
In short: Researchers using niche models based on over 35,000 ocean observations found that warming sea surface temperatures could boost the abundance of two vital Cyanobacteria. The study projected that by the end of the 21st century, Prochlorococcus populations could increase by 29%, while Synechococcus could rise by 14%.
The study used neural network and parametric analyses to link cell abundance to temperature and light. While these models suggest a significant expansion in microbial numbers, the projected changes are geographically uneven and depend on future greenhouse gas concentrations, meaning the full impact on global biogeochemical cycles remains complex to predict.
Why it matters: Warming oceans may significantly alter the scale of marine primary production by boosting bacterial populations.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Flombaum et al. (2013). Present and future global distributions of the marine Cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/nature-research-rising-ocean-temperatures-may-increase-global-populations-of.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics
