Data for: Behavioral differences underlie toxicity and predation variation in blooms of Prymnesium parvum

Much of the evolutionary ecology of toxic algal blooms (TABs) remains
unclear, including the role of algal toxins in the adaptive ‘strategies’
of TAB-forming species. Most eukaryotic TABs are caused by mixotrophs that
augment autotrophy with organic nutrient sources, including competing
algae (intraguild predation). We leverage the standing diversity of TABs
formed by the toxic, invasive mixotroph Prymnesium parvum to identify
cell-level behaviors involved in toxin-assisted predation using direct
observations as well as comparisons between genetically distinct low- and
high-toxicity isolates. Our results suggest that P. parvum toxins are
primarily delivered at close range and promote subsequent prey
capture/consumption. Surprisingly, we find opposite chemotactic
preferences for organic (prey-derived) and inorganic nutrients between
differentially toxic isolates, respectively, suggesting behavioral
integration of toxicity and phagotrophy. Variation in toxicity may
therefore reflect broader phenotypic integration of key traits that
ultimately contribute to the remarkable flexibility, diversity, and
success of invasive populations.