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A researcher in ecology and evolutionary biology from Florida State University has found that the reproductive strategies of various coral species significantly influence their survival and even flourishing in a swiftly changing environment.

Recent findings published by Biological Science Professor Don Levitan explore how the mustard hill coral — a species native to the Caribbean that reproduces asexually — has been able to endure at much higher levels than another coral type that utilizes the egg-and-sperm reproductive approach.

These results were introduced in May in the journal Ecology.

“Coral reefs, especially in the Caribbean, have faced decades of deterioration due to several stressors, primarily linked to human activities,” Levitan stated. “Nonetheless, not all coral species are diminishing at an equal pace, and some types — at least for the time being — remain relatively abundant. This research emphasizes how a blend of long-term observations and contemporary genetic analytical methods can reveal previously undiscovered patterns and processes of coral endurance.”

This investigation arose from data gathered at a long-term reef monitoring site established in the 1980s in the U.S. Virgin Islands by co-author Peter Edmunds, a biology professor at California State University, Northridge. With records covering nearly four decades, the site has enabled some of the most detailed investigations of coral reefs to date, including this study.

“This article signifies the culmination of years of partnership with Dr. Levitan,” Edmunds remarked. “The public is aware that reefs are in peril. This research offers encouraging news, as it details how specific coral species can adapt to adverse conditions. The reefs of the future will appear quite different from those of the past, but our research unveils how a single coral — the humble mustard hill coral — might come to dominate the Caribbean reefs of tomorrow.”

Levitan’s research directly compared the reproductive methods of mustard hill coral with those of lobed star coral.

Measuring up to 10 feet across, the yellowish-brown lobed star coral resembles a rugged boulder and provides essential habitat structure for reefs. Like most corals, it reproduces by releasing eggs and sperm into the surrounding waters; eggs and sperm meet serendipitously before drifting to settle on a different reef.

The mustard hill coral, in contrast, stands out. These corals, which are vividly yellow and could fit in your open palms, frequently reproduce asexually. Their larvae develop internally before being released, with asexual larvae forming genetically identical communities within individual reefs.

“Coral reefs comprise numerous species, each with distinct characteristics and dynamics,” Levitan noted. “The mustard hill coral experiences high mortality rates but continues to exist due to its small size, quick maturation, and ability to produce offspring even when mates are absent. However, the physical framework of reefs is formed by larger species like the lobed star coral and other externally fertilizing corals. Reefs diminish as these species decline, resulting in a critical loss of habitats for various invertebrates and fish.”

Externally fertilized coral larvae can drift for several days or even weeks before settling on reefs, which could be between 2,000 feet to 100 miles away and may possess conditions vastly different from the larvae’s origin reef. This reproductive approach is also influenced by population density, as a lower number can diminish the probability of sperm locating eggs.

Contrary to externally reproducing species, mustard hill coral populations are genetically distinct to each reef, comprising family groups and clones, or individuals produced through asexual reproduction. The research team found that this may be crucial to the mustard hill coral’s population stability amidst ecological stress. Individuals thriving on a specific reef can continue to generate successful genetic individuals, gradually establishing a suitable reef environment over time.

“Projects like this are vital as we strive to protect what remains, ensuring its longevity for future generations, and training the next cadre of scientists and managers to tackle the challenges they will inherit,” Edmunds emphasized. “If we fail to continually and diligently study the environment — particularly coral reefs — critical elements of the natural world will fade away and exist only on digital devices.”

Additional collaborators on this endeavor include two FSU doctoral graduates and Levitan’s former students: Oregon State University research associate Kevin Olsen and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill SPIRE postdoctoral fellow Rachael Best.

To discover more about biological science research at FSU, visit bio.fsu.edu.

The post FSU biologist uncovers how different coral reproduction methods shape Caribbean reefs’ future appeared first on Florida State University News.

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