Streamlined and Abundant Bacterioplankton Thrive in Functional Cohorts

Abstract

This study examines evolutionary and ecological relationships of three of the most ubiquitous and abundant freshwater bacterial genera: “ Ca . Planktophila” (acI-A), “ Ca. Nanopelagicus” (acI-B), and “ Ca. Fonsibacter” (LD12). Due to high abundance, these genera might have a significant influence on nutrient cycling in freshwaters worldwide, and this study adds a layer of understanding to how seemingly competing clades of bacteria can coexist by having different cooperation strategies. Our synthesis ties together network and ecological theory with empirical evidence and lays out a framework for how the functioning of populations within complex microbial communities can be studied.