Single-cell metabarcoding reveals biotic interactions of the Arctic calcifier Neogloboquadrina pachyderma with the eukaryotic pelagic community

Isotopic and trace-element signals in the calcite shells of the planktonic foraminifera Neogloboquadrina pachyderma represent key proxies to reconstruct past climatic conditions in northern high latitudes. A correct interpretation of these chemical signals requires knowledge of the habitat and trophic interactions of the species. Direct observations on the biological interactions of N. pachyderma in polar environments are lacking and to date no consensus exists on the trophic behavior of this species. Here, we use single-cell metabarcoding to characterize the interactions of 39 specimens of N. pachyderma from two sites in the Baffin Bay with the local eukaryotic pelagic community. Our results show that the eukaryotic interactome of the foraminifera is dominated by diatoms, accounting for >50% of the reads in 17 of the samples, but other groups such as Crustacea and Syndiniales are also present. The high abundance Syndiniales suggests that these parasites could infect N. pachyderma and may play an important role in its population dynamics. Moreover, the strong but taxonomically non-specific association with algae, existing irrespective of depth and occurring in specimens collected far below the photic zone indicates that opportunistically grazed diatom-fueled marine aggregates likely represent the main interaction substrate of N. pachyderma.

Automated summary

The interactions of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma with the local eukaryotic pelagic community are mainly dominated by diatoms, but other groups such as Crustacea and Syndiniales are also present. The high abundance of Syndiniales suggests that these parasites could infect N. pachyderma and play an important role in its population dynamics. Furthermore, the non-specific association with algae, regardless of depth and occurring below the photic zone, indicates that diatom-fueled marine aggregates may be the main interaction substrate of N. pachyderma.