Coupling of diversification and pH adaptation during the evolution of terrestrial Thaumarchaeota

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1419329112
• Publication Date: 2015-07-14T02:45:12Z
• Authors: Cécile Gubry-Rangin; Christina Kratsch; Tom A. Williams; Alice C. McHardy; T. Martin Embley; James I. Prosser; Daniel J. Macqueen
• Keywords: Thaumarchaeota; Multicellular organism

Significance The link between species diversification and adaptation has long interested biologists working on multicellular eukaryotes, but remains poorly understood in prokaryotes, which diversity is much greater. We tested the hypothesis that associated with environmental Thaumarchaeota, an ancient abundant microbial group key player global nitrogen cycle. provide evidence Thaumarchaeota underwent a major radiation event hundreds of millions years ago coincided period pH adaptation. Subsequently, these microbes have maintained high rates diversification, potentially because rate at new terrestrial niches arise. This study provides framework for comparing dynamics evolutionary processes across tree life.