Skip to main content
Article
Environmental DNA Reveals Seasonal Shifts and Potential Interactions in a Marine Community
Nature Communications
  • Anni Djurhuus, University of South Florida
  • Collin J. Closek, Stanford University
  • Ryan P. Kelly, University of Washington
  • Kathleen J. Pitz, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
  • Reiko P. Michisaki, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
  • Hilary A. Starks, Stanford University
  • Kristine R. Walz, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
  • Elizabeth A. Andruszkiewicz, Stanford University
  • Emily Olesin, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Conservation—Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
  • Katherine Hubbard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Conservation—Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
  • Enrique Montes, University of South Florida
  • Daniel Otis, University of South Florida
  • Frank E. Muller-Karger, University of South Florida
  • Francisco P. Chavez, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
  • Alexandria B. Boehm, Stanford University
  • Mya Breitbart, University of South Florida
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2020
Keywords
  • Biodiversity,
  • Community ecology,
  • Ecological networks,
  • Marine biology
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-14105-1
Disciplines
Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis allows the simultaneous examination of organisms across multiple trophic levels and domains of life, providing critical information about the complex biotic interactions related to ecosystem change. Here we used multilocus amplicon sequencing of eDNA to survey biodiversity from an eighteen-month (2015–2016) time-series of seawater samples from Monterey Bay, California. The resulting dataset encompasses 663 taxonomic groups (at Family or higher taxonomic rank) ranging from microorganisms to mammals. We inferred changes in the composition of communities, revealing putative interactions among taxa and identifying correlations between these communities and environmental properties over time. Community network analysis provided evidence of expected predator-prey relationships, trophic linkages, and seasonal shifts across all domains of life. We conclude that eDNA-based analyses can provide detailed information about marine ecosystem dynamics and identify sensitive biological indicators that can suggest ecosystem changes and inform conservation strategies.

Rights Information
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Citation / Publisher Attribution

Nature Communications, v. 11, art. 254

Citation Information
Anni Djurhuus, Collin J. Closek, Ryan P. Kelly, Kathleen J. Pitz, et al.. "Environmental DNA Reveals Seasonal Shifts and Potential Interactions in a Marine Community" Nature Communications Vol. 11 (2020)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mya-breitbart/131/