Collaborative Research: Adaptive Responses of Phaeocystis Populations in Antarctic Ecosystems

全球气候变化正在对南大洋地区产生重大影响，更好地了解这一生态系统将有助于预测这些变化的大规模影响。南极褐藻（Phaeocystis antarctica）是该地区浮游植物群落的重要组成部分，但对其分布的控制因素知之甚少。初步数据表明，南极南极拟南冰南具有独特的适应性，使其能够在动态光照条件下茁壮成长。本研究将扩展这些结果，以确定影响南极冰原生长和分布的生理和遗传机制。这项工作将利用实地和实验室研究以及一套现代分子技术来更好地了解这种关键生物的生物地理学和生理学。研究结果将通过出版物以及在国家和国际会议上的发言广泛传播。此外，原始数据将通过开放获取的数据库提供。该项目将支持两名研究生的研究和培训，并将促进与荷兰科学家的既定国际合作。该项目的研究人员将参与针对K12教师和高中生的外展计划。

Global climate change is having significant effects on areas of the Southern Ocean, and a better understanding of this ecosystem will permit predictions about the large-scale implications of these shifts. The haptophyte Phaeocystis antarctica is an important component of the phytoplankton communities in this region, but little is known about the factors controlling its distribution. Preliminary data suggest that P. antarctica posses unique adaptations that allow it to thrive in regions with dynamic light regimes. This research will extend these results to identify the physiological and genetic mechanisms that affect the growth and distribution of P. antarctica. This work will use field and laboratory-based studies and a suite of modern molecular techniques to better understand the biogeography and physiology of this key organism. Results will be widely disseminated through publications as well as through presentations at national and international meetings. In addition, raw data will be made available through open-access databases. This project will support the research and training of two graduate students and will foster an established international collaboration with Dutch scientists. Researchers on this project will participate in outreach programs targeting K12 teachers as well as high school students.