Predictable shifts in diversity and ecosystem function in phytoplankton communities along coastal salinity continua

Salinity is a major environmental predictor of phytoplankton species richness and composition. We hypothesize that the variation in along coastal salinity gradients reflected essential ecosystem functions like resource use efficiency (RUE)—the proportion limiting converted into biomass. To test hypothesis, we analyzed time series variables from Chesapeake Bay Baltic Sea. relationship among salinity, diversity, RUE bivariate interaction association, structural equation model (SEM)—a form path analysis to resolve multivariate relationships interrelated variables. concluded intrusion marine water will lead rapid change diversity on fresh side. Despite drop, individual community functions, RUE, remain relatively resilient, reflecting functional redundancy. propose gradient also reflects trophic complexity, allowing stable at reduced diversity.