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Article
Prospects for the Study of Evolution in the Deep Biosphere
Frontiers in Microbiology
  • Jennifer F. Biddle
  • Jason B. Sylvan
  • William J. Brazelton
  • Katina J. Edwards
  • Craig L. Moyer, Western Washington University
  • John F. Heidelberg
  • William C. Nelson
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Keywords
  • deep biosphere,
  • subsurface,
  • evolution,
  • C-DEBI,
  • adaptation
Abstract

Since the days of Darwin, scientists have used the framework of the theory of evolution to explore the interconnectedness of life on Earth and adaptation of organisms to the ever-changing environment. The advent of molecular biology has advanced and accelerated the study of evolution by allowing direct examination of the genetic material that ultimately determines the phenotypes upon which selection acts. The study of evolution has been furthered through examination of microbial evolution, with large population numbers, short generation times, and easily extractable DNA. Such work has spawned the study of microbial biogeography, with the realization that concepts developed in population genetics may be applicable to microbial genomes (Martiny et al., 2006; Manhes and Velicer, 2011). Microbial biogeography and adaptation has been examined in many different environments. Here we argue that the deep biosphere is a unique environment for the study of evolution and list specific factors that can be considered and where the studies may be performed. This publication is the result of the NSF-funded Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (C-DEBI) theme team on Evolution (www.darkenergybiosphere.org).

DOI
10.3389/fmicb.2011.00285
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Biosphere--Research; Evolution--Research; Deep-sea biology; Marine Microbiology
Genre/Form
articles
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Biddle, J. F., J. B. Sylvan, W. J. Brazelton, B. J. Tully, K. J. Edwards, C. L. Moyer, J. F. Heidelberg, and W. C. Nelson. 2012. Prospects for the study of evolution in the deep biosphere. Frontiers in Microbiol. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2011.00285.