Researchers from Duke University and an international team have completed a comprehensive DNA survey of microbes in the Southern Ocean. The study found that at least one third of the identified genes are missing from existing marine catalogs, suggesting a significant gap in our understanding of oceanic genetic diversity. These microscopic organisms, including phytoplankton, are critical to the Earth's climate as they drive a large portion of global photosynthesis and carbon sequestration. Understanding these genetic processes is essential for predicting how the Southern Ocean will influence future climate patterns and carbon absorption.
