Dynamic models of the complex microbial metapopulation of lake mendota

• DOI: 10.1038/npjsba.2016.7
• Publication Date: 2016-03-24T10:46:11Z
• Authors: Phuongan Dam; Luis L Fonseca; Konstantinos T Ko...; Eberhard O Voit
• Keywords: Metapopulation

Like many other environments, Lake Mendota, WI, USA, is populated by thousand microbial species. Only about 1,000 of these constitute between 80 and 99% the total community, depending on season, whereas remaining species are rare. The functioning resilience lake ecosystem depend microorganisms, it therefore important to understand their dynamics throughout year. We propose a two-layered set dynamic mathematical models that capture interpret yearly abundance patterns within metapopulation. first layer analyzes interactions 14 subcommunities (SCs) peak at different times year together contain all second focuses individual SCs. Each SC contains from numerous families, genera, phyla in strikingly abundances. quantify importance environmental factors shaping lake's metapopulation reveal positive or negative Three factors, namely temperature, ammonia/phosphorus, nitrate+nitrite, positively affect almost SCs, far most SCs inhibitory. As as can be independently validated, they supported literature information. quite robust permit predictions abundances over years both, under assumption conditions do not change drastically, response perturbations. A microbe population model developed US researchers reveals how community dyamics. Metagenomic sequencing now provides huge datasets an ecosystem, but computational needed interact. Eberhard Voit co-workers Georgia Institute Technology used 11 worth data collected Wisconsin, inform new based famous Lotka-Volterra equations for predator-prey interactions. To make task manageable, grouped 1140 abundant into sub-communities. Their predict effects annual cycles temperature nutrients dynamics, well It will useful tool assessing health ecosystems future.