Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
15:39
Characterization of Calcification Events Using Live Optical and Electron Microscopy Techniques in a Marine Tubeworm
Published on: February 28, 2017
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The Evolution of Calcification in Reef-Building Corals
Xin Wang1, Didier Zoccola2, Yi Jin Liew1
1Biological and Environmental Sciences & Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
Molecular Biology and Evolution
|April 19, 2021
Summary
Coral reefs, built by corals, are vital ecosystems. This study reveals that corals evolved calcification through gene duplication and co-option, not extensive changes, enabling reef formation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Marine Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Coral reefs are crucial ecosystems built by corals.
- Coral calcification is key to reef structure but its evolutionary origins are unclear.
- Understanding coral evolution is vital for conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary processes behind coral calcification.
- To determine when and how corals acquired the ability to build reefs.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenomics
- Proteomics
- Immunohistochemistry
Main Results:
- Corals likely acquired calcification between 308 and 265 million years ago.
- This ability arose from lineage-specific gene duplications and co-option of existing genes.
- Few coral-specific gene duplications and gradual protein optimizations were sufficient.
Conclusions:
- Coral calcification evolved through a combination of gene duplication and co-option.
- Significant evolutionary changes were not required for corals to become reef builders.
- This research clarifies the evolutionary path of these essential ecosystem engineers.
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