Distinct temporal diversity profiles for nitrogen cycling genes in a hyporheic microbiome

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228165
• Publication Date: 2020-01-27T13:24:50Z
• Authors: William C. Nelson; Emily B. Graham; Alex R. Crump; Sarah J. Fansler; Evan V. Arntzen; David W. Kennedy; James C. Stegen
• Keywords: Hyporheic Zone; Nitrogen Cycle; Cycling

Biodiversity is thought to prevent decline in community function response changing environmental conditions through replacement of organisms with similar functional capacity but different optimal growth characteristics. We examined how this concept translates the within-gene level by exploring seasonal dynamics diversity for genes involved nitrogen cycling hyporheic zone communities. Nitrification displayed low richness—defined as number unique phylotypes—across seasons. Conversely, denitrification varied both richness and degree which phylotypes were recruited or lost. These results demonstrate that there not a universal mechanism maintaining potential activities, even across shifts communities would be expected well adapted. As such, extreme changes could have very effects on stability cycle activities. outcomes suggest need modify existing conceptual models link biodiversity microbiome incorporate diversity. Specifically, we an expanded conceptualization 1) recognizes component steps (genes) bottlenecks influencing pathway-level function, 2) includes variation entities (e.g. species, phylotypes) can contribute given process turnover those shifting conditions. Building these concepts into process-based ecosystem represents exciting opportunity connect within-gene-scale ecological ecosystem-scale services.