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Rapid microbial response to the presence of an ancient relic in the Antarctic Dry Valleys

Author

Listed:
  • Grace Tiao

    (The International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research, University of Waikato
    Merton College)

  • Charles K. Lee

    (The International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research, University of Waikato)

  • Ian R. McDonald

    (The International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research, University of Waikato)

  • Donald A. Cowan

    (Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics, University of the Western Cape)

  • S. Craig Cary

    (The International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research, University of Waikato
    College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, University of Delaware)

Abstract

The extreme cold and aridity of the Antarctic McMurdo Dry Valleys have led to the longstanding belief that metabolic rates of soil microbiota are negligible, and that ecosystem changes take place over millennia. Here we report the first direct experimental evidence that soil microbial communities undergo rapid and lasting changes in response to contemporary environmental conditions. Mummified seals, curious natural artifacts found scattered throughout Dry Valleys, alter their underlying soil environment by stabilizing temperatures, elevating relative humidity and reducing ultraviolet exposure. In a unique, multi-year mummified seal transplantation experiment, we found that endemic Dry Valley microbial communities responded to these changes within 3 years, resulting in a sevenfold increase in CO2 flux and a significant reduction in biodiversity. These findings challenge prevailing ideas about Antarctic Dry Valley ecosystems and indicate that current and future environmental conditions may strongly influence the ecology of the dominant biota in the Dry Valleys.

Suggested Citation

  • Grace Tiao & Charles K. Lee & Ian R. McDonald & Donald A. Cowan & S. Craig Cary, 2012. "Rapid microbial response to the presence of an ancient relic in the Antarctic Dry Valleys," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 1-8, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:3:y:2012:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms1645
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1645
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