Climate change and microbial populations

From National Research Council Canada

DOIResolve DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45213-0_13
AuthorSearch for: 1
Name affiliation
  1. National Research Council Canada
FormatText
TypeBook chapter
Book titleAntarctic Terrestrial Microbiology
ISBN978-3-642-45212-3
978-3-642-45213-0
Pages249–261
SubjectMicrobial ecology; Bacteriology; Microbial genetic; Microbial genomics; Geology
Abstract
By 2100, the mean air temperature at the Earth’s surface is predicted to increase by 1.4 °C to 5.8 °C, with a disproportionate effect at high altitudes and latitudes. This chapter reviews the currently available information regarding the responses of key microbial parameters, including diversity, community composition, abundance and functions, to climate change in Antarctic soils. For microorganisms inhabiting Antarctic soils, some insight has been gained by comparing microbial communities across latitudinal gradients, or through short-term laboratory incubations and field studies. Rapid responses of mosses, nematodes, soil algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, and bacteria have been observed in some Antarctic soils. Despite these interesting findings, it is difficult to specifically predict the effects of warming on Antarctic soil microorganisms. One reason is the extreme heterogeneity of soil habitats in this region, as they vary from moist eutrophic ornithogenic soils to nutrient- and water-limited Dry Valley soils. Climate change might have rapid and direct effects on soil microbes that are not otherwise limited, but the release of other limitations (e.g., water, nutrients) could be more important in several environments.
Publication date
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
LanguageEnglish
Peer reviewedYes
NPARC number23000087
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Record created2016-06-02
Record modified2020-03-03
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