Abstract
ABSTRACTAimThe role of environmental factors that shape the large‐scale distribution of eukaryotic microbes remains understudied. We aimed to disentangle the impacts of latitudinal and longitudinal gradients on the distribution of Sphagnum‐dwelling testate amoebae in mires and to understand the influence of environmental factors related to both local habitats (hummock—lawn—hollows) and regional climates.LocationA range from temperate to subarctic and from the European part to the Far East of Russia (51°–70°N, 32°–158°E).TaxonTestate amoeba (Arcellinida, Euglyphida, and Amphitremida).MethodsWe analysed the testate amoeba (TA) composition and abundance data from 816 samples collected in 75 peatlands. Linear mixed‐effects models and redundancy analysis were applied to determine the likely environmental drivers of TA α‐ and β‐diversity.ResultsWe identified a significant reversed latitudinal gradient in α‐diversity which negatively correlated with the mean annual temperature. This gradient is microhabitat‐specific, being prominent in lawn and hollow microhabitats, but not in hummocks. Longitude, which corresponds mainly to a gradient of precipitation seasonality, was a significant predictor of TA β‐diversity, especially in hollows.Main ConclusionsOur findings identify climatic factors (e.g., mean annual temperature and precipitation seasonality) as likely shaping the continental‐scale TA α‐ and β‐diversity patterns, emphasising the microhabitat‐specific nature of these relationships. The absence of pattern in hummocks is interpreted as evidence for a predominant microhabitat stress (i.e., low moisture and pH) in this habitat.
Published Version
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