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Updated: Jul 23, 2025
04:22
Physiological Characterization of the Coral Holobiont Using a New Micro-Respirometry Tool
Published on: April 28, 2023
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High physiological function for corals with thermally tolerant, host-adapted symbionts
Kira E Turnham1, Matthew D Aschaffenburg2, D Tye Pettay3
1Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 19, 2023
Summary
Coral hosts can partner with multiple algae symbionts, expanding their environmental range. Thermally tolerant symbiont combinations in Pocillopora grandis corals show resilience to rising ocean temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Symbiosis Research
- Coral Reef Ecology
Background:
- Coral-algal symbiosis is crucial for marine ecosystems.
- Symbiont identity influences coral resilience to environmental changes.
- Pocillopora grandis in the Eastern Pacific associates with Durusdinium glynnii and Cladocopium latusorum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the functional performance of Pocillopora grandis with different dinoflagellate symbionts.
- To investigate the impact of symbiont identity on coral thermal tolerance and growth.
- To understand the ecological implications of host-symbiont flexibility in a changing climate.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of skeletal growth, calcification, and reproductive output.
- Assessment of physiological responses to thermal stress in different host-symbiont combinations.
- Phenotypic and functional performance evaluation of Pocillopora grandis with D. glynnii and C. latusorum.
Main Results:
- Both host-symbiont combinations exhibited similar baseline phenotypes.
- Significant functional differences were observed under increased temperatures.
- Corals hosting the thermally tolerant D. glynnii showed negligible physiological differences, challenging growth tradeoff assumptions.
Conclusions:
- Host-symbiont flexibility enhances niche breadth and resilience.
- Thermally tolerant symbiont combinations, like Pocillopora grandis with D. glynnii, are poised for ecological expansion.
- Understanding these mutualisms is vital for predicting coral reef persistence amidst climate change.
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