Diversity-triggered deterministic bacterial assembly constrains community functions

Weibing Xun, Wei Li, Wu Xiong, Yi Ren, Yunpeng Liu, Youzhi Miao, Zhihui Xu, Nan Zhang, Qirong Shen () and Ruifu Zhang ()
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Weibing Xun: Nanjing Agricultural University
Wei Li: Nanjing Agricultural University
Wu Xiong: Nanjing Agricultural University
Yi Ren: Nanjing Agricultural University
Yunpeng Liu: Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Youzhi Miao: Nanjing Agricultural University
Zhihui Xu: Nanjing Agricultural University
Nan Zhang: Nanjing Agricultural University
Qirong Shen: Nanjing Agricultural University
Ruifu Zhang: Nanjing Agricultural University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract A growing body of evidence suggests that microbial α-diversity (local species richness) may have positive effects on ecosystem function. However, less attention has been paid to β-diversity (the variation among local microbial assemblages). Here we studied the impact of microbial α-diversity on stochastic/deterministic microbial community assembly processes, which are related to β-diversity, and the consequences for community function. Bacterial communities differing in α-diversity were generated and their structures and potential community functional traits were inferred from DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic null modeling analysis suggests that stochastic assembly processes are dominant in high-diversity communities. However, in low-diversity communities, deterministic assembly processes are dominant, associating with the reduction of specialized functions that are correlated with specific bacterial taxa. Overall, we suggest that the low-diversity-induced deterministic community assembly processes may constrain community functions, highlighting the potential roles of specialized functions in community assembly and in generating and sustaining the function of soil ecosystems.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11787-5

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