•1 min read•from Oceanography News -- ScienceDaily
Ocean warming may supercharge a tiny microbe that controls marine nutrients
Our take
As global temperatures rise, scientists have uncovered a surprising adaptability in the microbe Nitrosopumilus maritimus, a key player in marine nutrient cycles. While warming deep-sea waters were expected to threaten these essential organisms, research indicates that they can efficiently utilize iron in warmer, iron-limited conditions. This adaptability not only supports critical nitrogen reactions vital for marine life but may also enhance ocean productivity in a changing climate. As ocean warming continues, the role of these microbes could become increasingly significant in maintaining marine ecosystems.
As deep-sea waters warm, scientists expected trouble for the microbes that help keep ocean chemistry in balance. Instead, researchers found that Nitrosopumilus maritimus can adapt to warmer, iron-limited conditions by using iron more efficiently. Because these microbes control key nitrogen reactions that support marine life, their adaptability could help sustain ocean productivity. In a warming world, they may play an even bigger role in shaping marine nutrient cycles.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience