International Journal of Marine Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 107-117 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 114 7.3 The role of biological interactions (such as predation and symbiosis) in algae evolution Interactions between organisms are also important factors driving algae evolution. Predation pressure (such as feeding algae by fishing and protozoa) can reshape algae communities by selecting smaller sizes or toxin-producing algae; the emergence of harmful algae blooms (HABs) are the result of mutual competition between algae and predators and competitive species. Symbiotic relationships also affect algae evolution: corals and algae symbiosis, moss and green algae symbiosis, etc., suggest that algae can form mutually beneficial symbiosis with multiple hosts and broaden their habitats (Brodie et al., 2017). Endosymbiosis directly shapes the diversity of algae chloroplasts; symbiotic networks among groups promote the exchange of metabolic capacity and the formation of new ecological niches. In addition, algae relationships (algae and symbiotic bacteria) have also been found to play a role in vegetative cycles and ecological stability, possibly promoting the evolution of algae metabolic characteristics (Figure 3) (Kudela et al., 2023). Therefore, biological interaction mechanisms such as predation-defense evolution and symbiotic reciprocity provide an external driving force for algae to drive innovation, accelerating the differentiation and adaptation of the lineage. Figure 3 Conceptual model of factors that control HABs in estuarine systems (Adopted from Kudela et al., 2023) 8 The significance of Algae Phylogenetic Research in Ecological and Applied Science 8.1 Understanding the implications of algae evolution on global carbon cycle and climate regulation Algae phylogenetic studies help us reveal the functional differentiation of different algae in the carbon cycle. For example, understanding the evolutionary timing and environmental adaptability of taxa such as diatoms and dinoflages can help quantify their contribution to global carbon sinks in different eras (such as the primary productivity of diatoms contributed to the sum of world forests). At the same time, studying the origin and distribution history of algae chloroplasts provides a basis for evaluating the changes in the marine carbon pump mechanism in geological history. The phylogenetic background of algae community structure also provides clues to predict the impact of future climate change on marine ecosystems: algae of different kinship may respond differently to environmental perturbations, and community succession trends and carbon flux changes can be better predicted through lineage information (Li, 2024). Therefore, the study of the evolutionary history of algae is not only a basic science topic, but also has reference value for quantitative prediction of global climate regulation.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==