Photosymbiosis in Marine Ecosystems

In the vast expanse of marine ecosystems, photosymbiosis marks a critical evolutionary and ecological process where heterotrophic hosts and photosynthetic symbionts engage in nutrient exchanges, crucial for their survival and thriving. This symbiotic relationship has independently evolved across various taxa including single-celled eukaryotes, cnidarians, and molluscs, playing a pivotal role in Earth’s primary production and biogeochemical cycles. Despite its significance, the complexity and diversity of these associations and their role in supporting ecosystem integrity are not fully understood, suggesting a gap in our comprehensive understanding of marine biodiversity.

This Research Topic aims to illuminate the diversity, evolutionary patterns, and ecological importance of photosymbiotic associations in marine ecosystems. It seeks to pinpoint how these relationships drive marine biodiversity and influence ecosystem functionality, addressing fundamental questions about the adaptations necessary for such partnerships and their impacts under changing environmental conditions.

To gather further insights in this dynamic field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

-Molecular and genomic analyses of photosymbiotic organisms
-Ecological and physiological dynamics of photosymbiosis
-Biogeochemical impacts of photosymbiotic relationships
-Experimental studies on the adaptive mechanisms of photosymbiosis
-Modeling studies predicting the impact of environmental changes on photosymbiosis

By integrating research from multiple disciplines, we envision a deeper understanding of how photosymbiosis shapes marine ecosystems and its broader implications for future ecological resilience and conservation strategies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Photosymbiosis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.