Microbial Ecosystems Of Antarctica

A structured account of the full range of environments in Antarctica and of the microbial communities that live within them. The author examines the major features of the chemical and physical environment in each habitat, and the influence of these features on the population structure and dynamics of their microbiota. Each chapter considers a specific type of environment, the microbial species that dominate, their community structure and dynamics, and the microbial processes that operate and have been measured in the ecosystem. The chapters conclude with an overview of the ecosystem trophic structure and an introduction to the larger organisms that depend on the microbiota. Separate chapters examine the range of cellular strategies adopted by microorganisms within the Antarctic environment, and the increasing influence of humans on these communities.

This book provides up-to-date multidisciplinary information regarding microbial physiological groups in terms of their role in the Antarctic ecology. How do microorganisms shape the Antarctic environment? The book presents a thorough overview of the most important physiological microbial groups or microbial systems that shape the Antarctic environment. Each microbial model is described in terms of their physiology and metabolism, and their role in the Antarctic environmental sustainability. The individual chapters prepare readers for understanding the relevance of the microbial models from both an historical perspective, and considering the latest developments. This book will appeal to researchers and teachers interested in the Antarctic science, but also to students who want to understand the role of microbes in the ecology of extreme environments.

Since its discovery Antarctica has held a deep fascination for biologists. Extreme environmental conditions, seasonality and isolation have lead to some of the most striking examples of natural selection and adaptation on Earth. Paradoxically, some of these adaptations may pose constraints on the ability of the Antarctic biota to respond to climate change. Parts of Antarctica are showing some of the largest changes in temperature and other environmental conditions in the world. In this volume, published in association with the Royal Society, leading polar scientists present a synthesis of the latest research on the biological systems in Antarctica, covering organisms from microbes to vertebrate higher predators. This book comes at a time when new technologies and approaches allow the implications of climate change and other direct human impacts on Antarctica to be viewed at a range of scales; across entire regions, whole ecosystems and down to the level of species and variation within their genomes. Chapters address both Antarctic terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and the scientific and management challenges of the future are explored.

Antarctic Microbiology The extreme climate of Antarctica — its sub-zero temperatures, low humidity, high winds, and extended light and dark periods — has limited scientists in their search for information on microbial communities there and in the surrounding oceans. Most early microbiological research was descriptive and focused on the interactions of microbial communities with physical and chemical parameters. Today, thanks to enormous improvements in technology and logistics, microbiologists can study the functional processes of microbial communities and their biological interactions. Microbiological research in Antarctica is particularly relevant in light of today’s discussions on global climate change. This volume offers an account of the microbial habitats and communities that play significant roles in the ecosystem of the Antarctic continent. Antarctic Microbiology demonstrates the explosion of new and exciting research into microbial communities, physiological rate processes, and adaptation of species at the biochemical and molecular level. This text presents new information on: sea-ice microbial processes associated with the pack ice and the ocean photosynthesis, physiology, and adaptation of cryptoendolithic communities in sandstone formations biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen in unique lake systems in the dry valleys the development of microbial communities in volcanically heated soils the possible existence of ancient microbes in glacial ice biogeochemical cycling of elements in the marine ecosystem around Antarctica. Written by an international group of experts, Antarctic Microbiology will be of interest to all microbiologists and ecologists who study the diversity of microorganisms and their marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.

Marine and freshwater polar environments are characterized by intense physical forces and strong seasonal variations. The persistent cold and sometimes inhospitable conditions create unique ecosystems and habitats for microbial life. Polar microbial communities are diverse productive assemblages, which drive biogeochemical cycles and support higher food-webs across the Arctic and over much of the Antarctic. Recent studies on the biogeography of microbial species have revealed phylogenetically diverse polar ecotypes, suggesting adaptation to seasonal darkness, sea-ice coverage and high summer irradiance. Because of the diversity of habitats related to atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and the formation and melting of ice, high latitude oceans and lakes are ideal environments to investigate composition and functionality of microbial communities. In addition, polar regions are responding more dramatically to climate change compared to temperate environments and there is an urgent need to identify sensitive indicators of ecosystem history, that may be sentinels for change or adaptation. For instance, Antarctic lakes provide useful model systems to study microbial evolution and climate history. Hence, it becomes essential and timely to better understand factors controlling the microbes, and how, in turn, they may affect the functioning of these fragile ecosystems. Polar microbiology is an expanding field of research with exciting possibilities to provide new insights into microbial ecology and evolution. With this Research Topic we seek to bring together polar microbiologists studying different aquatic systems and components of the microbial food web, to stimulate discussion and reflect on these sensitive environments in a changing world perspective.

This book brings together many of the world’s leading experts in the fields of Antarctic terrestrial soil ecology, providing a comprehensive and completely up-to-date analysis of the status of Antarctic soil microbiology. Antarctic terrestrial soils represent one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Once thought to be largely sterile, it is now known that these diverse and often specialized extreme habitats harbor a very wide range of different microorganisms. Antarctic soil communities are relatively simple, but not unsophisticated. Recent phylogenetic and microscopic studies have demonstrated that these communities have well established trophic structuring and play a significant role in nutrient cycling in these cold and often dry desert ecosystems. They are surprisingly responsive to change and potentially sensitive to climatic perturbation. Antarctic terrestrial soils also harbor specialized ‘refuge’habitats, where microbial communities develop under (and within) translucent rocks. These cryptic habitats offer unique models for understanding the physical and biological ‘drivers’ of community development, function and evolution.