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Abstract BackgroundThe processes that shape microbial biogeography are not well understood, and concepts that apply to macroorganisms, like dispersal barriers, may not affect microorganisms in the same predictable ways. To better understand how known macro-scale biogeographic processes can be applied at micro-scales,we examined seagrass associated microbiota on either side of Wallace’s line to determine the influence of this cryptic dispersal boundary on the community structure of microorganisms. Communities were examined from twelve locations throughout Indonesia on either side of this theoretical line. ResultsWe found significant differences in microbial community structure on either side of this boundary (R² = 0.09;P = 0.001), and identified seven microbial genera as differentially abundant on either side of the line, six of these were more abundant in the West, with the other more strongly associated with the East. Genera found to be differentially abundant had significantly smaller minimum cell dimensions (GLM: t₉₂₃ = 59.50,P < 0.001) than the overall community. ConclusionDespite the assumed excellent dispersal ability of microbes, we were able to detect significant differences in community structure on either side of this cryptic biogeographic boundary. Samples from the two closest islands on opposite sides of the line, Bali and Komodo, were more different from each other than either was to its most distant island on the same side. We suggest that limited dispersal across this barrier coupled with habitat differences are primarily responsible for the patterns observed. The cryptic processes that drive macroorganism community divergence across this region may also play a role in the bigeographic patterns of microbiota. 

Abstract BackgroundMicrobes have fundamental roles underpinning the functioning of our planet, they are involved in global carbon and nutrient cycling, and support the existence of multicellular life. The mangrove ecosystem is nutrient limited and if not for microbial cycling of nutrients, life in this harsh environment would likely not exist. The mangroves of Southeast Asia are the oldest and most biodiverse on the planet, and serve vital roles helping to prevent shoreline erosion, act as nursery grounds for many marine species and sequester carbon. Despite these recognised benefits and the importance of microbes in these ecosystems, studies examining the mangrove microbiome in Southeast Asia are scarce.cxs ResultsHere we examine the microbiome ofAvicenia albaandSonneratia albaand identify a core microbiome of 81 taxa. A further eight taxa (Pleurocapsa,Tunicatimonas,Halomonas,Marinomonas,Rubrivirga,Altererythrobacte,Lewinella,andErythrobacter) were found to be significantly enriched in mangrove tree compartments suggesting key roles in this microbiome. The majority of those identified are involved in nutrient cycling or have roles in the production of compounds that promote host survival. ConclusionThe identification of a core microbiome furthers our understanding of mangrove microbial biodiversity, particularly in Southeast Asia where studies such as this are rare. The identification of significantly different microbial communities between sampling sites suggests environmental filtering is occurring, with hosts selecting for a microbial consortia most suitable for survival in their immediate environment. As climate change advances, many of these microbial communities are predicted to change, however, without knowing what is currently there, it is impossible to determine the magnitude of any deviations. This work provides an important baseline against which change in microbial community can be measured. 

Though much is known about fungal importance to forest health, there is very little information about factors that impact recovery times of soil fungal communities after a fire. Soil samples were taken from burn sites within one ecotype of temperate coniferous forest in Utah over a 20-year chronosequence. Sites were selected from available historic burns and were similar in plant community structure, elevation, slope, and aspect. Fungal DNA from these samples was compared to soil from paired unburned sites nearby to measure community similarity and estimate soil fungal recovery rates. Differences between paired burned and unburned sites remained fairly stable over a decadal timescale overall, but fungal community structure was found to recover more quickly in areas with a higher average annual temperature. A significant positive correlation in community recovery was seen in areas with a difference of as little as 2 °C per year. The only other environmental variable that significantly interacted with time since burn was annual mean precipitation. As global temperatures increase, alpine fires are increasing as well, but these results suggest that fungal community recovery time will be shortened under new climate scenarios. 

Though much is known about fungal importance to forest health, there is very little information about factors that impact recovery times of soil fungal communities after a fire. Soil samples were taken from burn sites within one ecotype of temperate coniferous forest in Utah over a 20-year chronosequence. Sites were selected from available historic burns and were similar in plant community structure, elevation, slope, and aspect. Fungal DNA from these samples was compared to soil from paired unburned sites nearby to measure community similarity and estimate soil fungal recovery rates. Differences between paired burned and unburned sites remained fairly stable over a decadal timescale overall, but fungal community structure was found to recover more quickly in areas with a higher average annual temperature. A significant positive correlation in community recovery was seen in areas with a difference of as little as 2 °C per year. The only other environmental variable that significantly interacted with time since burn was annual mean precipitation. As global temperatures increase, alpine fires are increasing as well, but these results suggest that fungal community recovery time will be shortened under new climate scenarios.