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Antarctic Microbial Biodiversity: The importance of geographical and ecological factors | |
www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=nl&COD=SD/BA/01A |
Dutch title: Antarctische microbiële biodiversiteit: het belang van geografische en ecologische factoren Parent project: Science for a Sustainable Development Funder identifier: SD/BA/01A (Other contract id) Acronym: AMBIO Period: December 2006 till January 2009 Status: Completed |
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Institutes (5) | Top |
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Abstract |
Context
AMBIO aims to explore the microbial diversity on the Antarctic continent. Microorganisms dominate most Antarctic ecosystems, they form the basis of the food webs and are the main actors in the biogeochemical cycles. However, little is known about their diversity. We therefore lack the baseline information needed to understand the contribution of various processes responsible for the geographical patterns in microbial diversity and community composition and to monitor possible future changes due the ecosystem changes and/or human introductions. In the frame of the International Polar Year, AMBIO will take part in the IPY MERGE (# 55) project concerning the microbial and ecological responses to global environmental changes in Polar Regions. It will also participate in the SCAR programme “Evolution and Biodiversity in Antarctica”. Project description Objectives The AMBIO project aims to determine the microbial diversity in Antarctic aquatic ecosystems, using an integrated and standardised analysis. The specific objectives are:
Methodology
Interaction between the different partners Each partner has specific experience concerning the groups of microorganisms. Therefore, the study of the cyanobacteria will be carried out by Partner 1 (CIP). Partner 2 (PAE) and 3 (LM-UGent) will work on the strain isolations of protists and bacteria, respectively, and will cooperate for the study of the non-cultivated diversity. These analyses will be carried out in parallel on the same samples, using standardised analysis protocols. The statistical analyses will involve all partners and will be centralised by Partner 2. Expected results and/or products During the first 2 years, a database of samples will be created as well as 3 strain collections: bacteria, cyanobacteria and microalgae. Strains will be characterised and preserved. New bacterial taxa will be stored in the public collection BCCM/LMG. At the end of the project, protocols and probes will be published on the project website. The obtained results will be published in international peer reviewed scientific journals and presented at international scientific symposia and workshops. Communication and outreach will be performed through a website as well as a powerpoint presentation: ‘Antarctica is a microbial continent’. The role of microbial diversity in determining fragile and unique sites which could be proposed as ASPA (Antarctic Specially Protected Area) to the CEP (The Committee for Environmental Protection) will be evaluated. A final workshop with international speakers will be organised. |
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