深海环流塑造南太平洋微生物多样性

Core Insights - The study published in the latest issue of "Science" highlights the critical role of the "global overturning circulation" in shaping the diversity and functionality of microbial communities in the South Pacific [1][2] - The research provides a new perspective on understanding the organizational patterns of marine ecosystems [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The research team collected over 300 full-depth water samples from the South Pacific, revealing the existence of a "prokaryotic phylogenetic leap layer" at approximately 300 meters below the surface, where microbial diversity sharply increases [1] - The study identified over 300 microbial genomes and tens of thousands of species, establishing a baseline for current marine microbial ecosystems [2] - Six microbial community groups and ten functional zones were formed, with three groups related to water depth and three corresponding to major water masses such as Antarctic bottom water and ancient Pacific deep water [1] Group 2: Implications - Microbial communities are central to the oceanic carbon cycle, influencing carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and solid carbon processes [2] - Changes in global overturning circulation due to climate change may alter microbial community distribution and functionality, potentially impacting the global carbon cycle in unknown ways [2]