RT Conference Proceedings
T1 Experimental evolution reveals adaptive limits and evolutionary dynamics of freshwater photoautotrophs under environmental stress
A1 Melero-Jiménez, Ignacio José
A1 Bañares-España, Elena
A1 García-Sánchez, María Jesús
A1 Flores-Moya, Antonio
K1 Microorganismos - Efectos de la temperatura - Congresos
AB Photoautotrophic microorganisms play a key role in freshwater ecosystems, supporting primary production and biogeochemical cycles, but their survival is increasingly threatened by rapid environmental change. Understanding how these photosynthetic organisms respond to stressors such as salinity, temperature, and herbicide exposure is crucial for predicting ecosystem resilience. Here, we explored the adaptive capacity of two widespread photoautotrophs, Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, under multiple environmental stresses using experimental evolution and eco-evolutionary approaches. Our results show that gradual increases in stress facilitated evolutionary rescue through the selection of beneficial spontaneous mutants, whereas abrupt stress often exceded adaptive potential, leading to population collapse. We further found that resistant cells exhibited measurable trade-offs, including reduced growth rates and lower photosynthetic eficiency relative to their wild-type ancestors, suggesting that adaptation can critically compromise primary production. Rather than identifying specific adaptive mechanisms or resistance mutations, our work highlights evolutionary trends that provide insights into how these photoautotrophic populations may respond to future environmental challenges. Overall, we offer a predictive framework for understanding the resilience, limitations, and potential adaptive pathways of primary producers in rapidlychanging freshwater ecosystems.
YR 2026
FD 2026-01-26
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/45333
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/45333
LA eng
NO PID2023-152625NB-I00
DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga
RD 1 mar 2026