Haplo-diplontic life cycle expands coccolithophore niche

Coccolithophores are globally important marine calcifying phytoplankton that utilize a haplo-diplontic life cycle. The haplo-diplontic life cycle allows coccolithophores to divide in both life cycle phases and potentially expands coccolithophore niche volume. Research has, however, to date largely overlooked the life cycle of coccolithophores and has instead focused on the diploid life cycle phase of coccolithophores. Through the synthesis and analysis of global scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coccolithophore abundance approximate to data (n = 2534), we find that calcified haploid coccolithophores generally constitute a minor component of the total coccolithophore abundance (approximate to 2 %-15% depending on season). However, using case studies in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, we show that, depending on environmental conditions, calcifying haploid coccolithophores can be significant contributors to the coccolithophore standing stock (up to 30 %). Furthermore, using hypervolumes to quantify the niche of coccolithophores, we illustrate that the haploid and diploid life cycle phases inhabit contrasting niches and that on average this allows coccolithophores to expand their niche by approximate to 18.8 %, with a range of 3 %-76% for individual species. Our results highlight that future coccolithophore research should consider both life cycle stages, as omission of the haploid life cycle phase in current research limits our understanding of coccolithophore ecology. Our results furthermore suggest a different response to nutrient limitation and stratification, which may be of relevance for further climate scenarios. Our compilation highlights the spatial and temporal sparsity of SEM measurements and the need for new molecular techniques to identify uncalcified haploid coccolithophores. Our work also emphasizes the need for further work on the carbonate chemistry niche of the coccolithophore life cycle.

Automated summary

Coccolithophores are marine calcifying phytoplankton with a haplo-diplontic life cycle. Calcified haploid coccolithophores generally make up a small portion of the total population, but can be significant contributors under certain environmental conditions. The haploid and diploid life cycle phases occupy contrasting niches, allowing coccolithophores to expand their niche by approximately 18.8%.