Temporal Dynamics and Adaptive Mechanisms of Microbial Communities: Divergent Responses and Network Interactions

Abstract

Microbial communities are integral to aquatic ecosystems, playing key roles in biogeochemical cycles, nutrient recycling, and ecosystem functioning. Despite their importance, the temporal dynamics of these communities, especially in response to short-term environmental changes, remain inadequately understood. This study utilizes high-throughput amplicon sequencing and Co-occurrence network analysis to elucidate how prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities dynamically respond to short-term environmental fluctuations, and dynamics of networks. Our results reveal distinct temporal patterns, with eukaryotic communities showing consistent increases in diversity, while prokaryotic communities exhibited more pronounced fluctuations and directional changes. Co-occurrence network analysis further highlighted the differences in community structure between phases of homogenization and heterogenization. Specifically, we observed a shift from a more modular network during the homogenization phase to a more centralized network in the heterogenization phase, resulting in increased network fragility. Environmental factors, such as nutrient levels and climatic conditions, were found to play pivotal roles in shaping these dynamics. This study provides critical insights into the resilience and adaptability of microbial communities, emphasizing the intricate interplay between biodiversity, network structure, and ecosystem stability under varying environmental conditions.