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Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
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Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural selection can be directional, stabilizing, or disruptive. Directional selection favors one extreme trait and shifts the population towards that phenotype while selecting against individuals displaying alternate traits. Stabilizing selection favors an intermediate trait with a narrow range of variation. Deviation from the optimal phenotype towards an...
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Predators consume prey for energy. Predators that acquire prey and prey that avoid predation both increase their chances of survival and reproduction (i.e., fitness). Routine predator-prey interactions elicit mutual adaptations that improve predator offenses, such as claws, teeth, and speed, as well as prey defenses, including crypsis, aposematism, and mimicry. Thus, predator-prey interactions resemble an evolutionary arms race.
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Rhizaria are a diverse group of unicellular protists characterized by their threadlike cytoplasmic extensions known as pseudopodia. These structures aid in both locomotion and feeding, giving Rhizaria an amoeboid appearance. Their amoeboid morphology once led to taxonomic confusion, but molecular phylogenetics has clarified their evolutionary placement and emphasized their shared use of pseudopodia despite divergent lineages.This clade comprises diverse lineages such as Chlorarachniophyta,...
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Extended phenotypes on coral reefs: cryptic phenotypes modulate coral-vermetid interactions.

A L Brown1,2, E A Hamman1,3, J S Shima4

  • 1Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30601, USA.

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Coral traits are influenced by both environment and genetics. Prior exposure to vermetid gastropods impacts coral performance, with some differences appearing heritable and affecting reef health.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Ecology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Phenotypic variation influences species interactions.
  • Variation in traits can stem from plasticity, genetics, or both.
  • Extended phenotypes, including associated microbes, can also play a role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of plasticity and heritable diversity in Porites coral phenotypic traits and performance.
  • To assess the impact of prior exposure to vermetid gastropods on coral traits and survival.

Main Methods:

  • Reciprocal transplant experiment with Porites corals.
  • Measurement of phenotypic traits related to coral performance.
  • Analysis of coral mitotypes and associated microbial communities.

Main Results:

  • Many coral traits exhibited plastic responses to vermetid exposure.
  • Vermetids reduced coral calcification and altered microbial composition.
  • Heritable differences in coral mitotypes were observed, correlating with vermetid presence and tissue thickness.

Conclusions:

  • Both plasticity and heritable variation shape coral phenotypes and interactions.
  • Vermetids and microbes contribute to the extended phenotype of corals.
  • Coral genotypes can influence reef trajectories and susceptibility to degradation.