Changing Oceans: Phenotypic Plasticity and Physiological Compensation to Environmental Stress in Primary Marine Producers

Abstract

Environmental variation is an intrinsic characteristic of marine ecosystems. We have variation in environmental factors on short scales (e.g., day-night) and long scales (e.g., seasons) of time. This variation influences the ecology of marine species, particularly their distribution, life history traits, behavior, physiology, among others. However, environmental variation is being altered in terms of frequency and magnitude due to climate change. As a consequence, many marine organisms are forced to experience conditions that exceed their tolerance levels. For example, primary producers (e.g., seagrasses, macroalgae) are experiencing global changes in distribution due to the effect of heat waves and increased eutrophication, ocean acidification, and pollution. Although many species are being locally extirpated, others cope with these physiological challenges through phenotypic adjustments (plasticity). In this presentation I will discuss some examples of primary producers from polar to tropical zones, exploring eco-evolutionary dynamics that influence local adaptation, variation in phenotypic plasticity and the implications in the conservation of marine diversity.