Biodiversity and ecology of Antarctic lakes- models for evolution?
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 20:38authored byLaybourn-Parry, J, Pearce, D
Antarctic lakes are characterised by simplified, truncated food webs. The lakes range from freshwater to hypersaline with a continuum of physical and chemical conditions that offer a natural laboratory in which to study evolution. Molecular studies on Antarctic lake communities are still in their infancy, but there is clear evidence from some taxonomic groups, for example the Cyanobacteria, that there is endemicity. Moreover, many of the bacteria have considerable potential as sources of novel biochemicals such as low temperature enzymes and anti-freeze proteins. Among the eukaryotic organisms survival strategies have evolved, among which dependence on mixotrophy in phytoflagellates and some ciliates is common. There is also some evidence of evolution of new species of flagellate in the marine derived saline lakes of the Vestfold Hills. Recent work on viruses in polar lakes demonstrates high abundance and high rates of infection, implying that they may play an important role in genetic exchange in these extreme environments.
History
Publication title
Royal Society of London. Philosophical Transactions. Biological Sciences
Volume
362
Issue
362
Pagination
2273-2289
ISSN
0962-8436
Publisher
The Royal Society
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Rights statement
copyright 2007 The Royal Society
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Biodiversity in Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments