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Diatom Biofilms: Ecosystem Engineering and Niche Construction

Paterson, David M .; Hope, Julie A.

Authors

David M . Paterson

Julie A. Hope



Contributors

Richard Gordon
Editor

Stanley A. Cohn
Editor

Kalina M. Manoylov
Editor

Abstract

Ecology is complex and while there is a modern drive towards a holistic or “ecosystem approach” for managing marine systems, we are still a long way from fully understanding the interactions between the various components of different ecosystems and fully valuing their contributions. Microphytobenthos (MPB), and diatom biofilms, are an excellent example. While they are relatively widespread, their role has often been overlooked in favor of more charismatic species or assemblages. However, the understanding of their ecological importance has increased with a growing body of evidence outlining their important role in system functions ranging from biogeochemical cycles, trophic interactions and a direct influence of sediment dynamics. The latter effect is related to the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which have a number of roles in ecosystem dynamics, including the mediation of sediment erosion. Therefore, it is understandable that characterization of MPB assemblages as ecosystems engineers is becoming more widespread. A more recent development is the debate surrounding the evolutionary impact of ecosystem engineering and whether this is sufficiently distinct and important that it should be considered a separate evolutionary pressure, as described in the “niche construction” theory. Microphytobenthos have already been cited in this debate and this chapter briefly introduces the range of functionality of MPB and discusses their role as ecosystem engineers and their potential place in niche construction theory.

Citation

Paterson, D. M. .., & Hope, J. A. (2021). Diatom Biofilms: Ecosystem Engineering and Niche Construction. In R. Gordon, S. A. Cohn, & K. M. Manoylov (Eds.), Diatom Gliding Motility: Biology and Applications (135-158). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119526483.ch6

Online Publication Date Aug 16, 2021
Publication Date Jan 1, 2021
Deposit Date Nov 2, 2020
Publisher Wiley
Pages 135-158
Series Title Diatoms: Biology & Applications
Book Title Diatom Gliding Motility: Biology and Applications
ISBN 9781119526483; 9781119526353
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119526483.ch6
Keywords diatoms, motility,
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3651630
Contract Date Apr 6, 2020